CAMPUS NOTICE

 

OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

OFFICE OF THE DEAN, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

OFFICE OF THE DIVISION OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY

November 16, 2018


ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UC SAN DIEGO

SUBJECT:    Passing of Dr. Alan Mark Nahum, MD

We are saddened to announce the recent passing of Dr. Alan Mark Nahum, MD, who died November 10, 2018 at the age of 87.

Dr. Nahum was the founding professor and chief of the Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, serving in that position from 1971 to 1986.

He graduated from Yale University in 1953 and attended Tufts University School of Medicine, followed by a residency in otolaryngology at UCLA, where he remained on faculty from 1962 to 1971.

In 1971, Dr. Nahum was recruited as a professor and chief of otolaryngology to the new UC San Diego School of Medicine, which had opened its doors just three years earlier. He significantly expanded the enterprise, both in the School of Medicine and at the neighboring San Diego VA Medical Center. During his tenure, he also made several key recruitments, among them: Allen Ryan, Terence Davidson, MD, and Jeffrey Harris, MD, PhD, Distinguished Professor and current division chief.

Dr. Nahum was founding editor-in-chief of the journal Head and Neck Surgery. His leadership helped influence and expand the specialty’s expertise to include thyroid and parathyroid surgery as well as head and neck cancer – all now well-established areas for this surgical domain.

He was a leading authority on biomechanical trauma related to motor vehicle accidents. In 2002, Dr. Nahum received the Award of Merit from the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine for “Significant Contributions in the Field of Biomechanics.” In addition, he authored three textbooks on the biomechanics of head and bone trauma, which remain particularly relevant today with current, increased attention to closed head injuries.

Dr. Nahum lived in La Jolla with his wife Victoria Danzig. They were devoted patrons of the arts, in particular the La Jolla Playhouse and La Jolla Music Society. He is survived by his wife, three children and five grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Sierra Club or The Nature Conservancy.



David A. Brenner
Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences

Steven R. Garfin
Interim Dean, School of Medicine

Jeffrey Harris
Chief, Division of Otolaryngology