Jerome A. Gold, MD ’53, former university president, trustee and CMS Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient, passed away Feb. 19 at age 93.

Dr. Gold attended Long Island University before earning his MD degree from CMS. He then returned to his native Brooklyn to complete his internship and residency in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases at Kings County Hospital.

Dr. Gold’s many achievements included serving as an active-duty lieutenant and chief of the Chest and Infectious Disease Service at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland; clinical research director of Smith, Klein and French Laboratories; and vice president of business development for Wyeth Laboratories. During this time, he was instrumental in the release of specific cephalosporin antibiotics (Ancef) and was one of the founders of the rubella vaccine. In April 1970, Dr. Gold was called to consult before the Apollo 13 space flight when one of the astronauts was exposed to German measles. His Apollo 13 flight patch and later photo with mission commander Jim Lovell are mementos of one of his greatest legacies.

“From an early age, we watched him and how he treated people. He taught us to take care of family first, your patients first, and always give back.”

Dr. Gold served as president of the CMS Alumni Association from 1971–75 and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1978. He returned to the university in 1986 and served as president and CEO until 1987, when he and his wife, Anne, retired to Florida. He also served on the university’s Board of Trustees.

Dr. Gold is survived by his sons, Dr. Robert (Gail) Gold and Dr. Michael (Cindee) Gold; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as his brother, Richard Gold. He was preceded in death by Anne, to whom he had been married for 70 years, in 2020. 

Michael Gold, MD ’85, Reflects on Father’s Legacy 

Compassionate. Visionary. Loyal. Intelligent. Giving. These are the words that come to Dr. Michael Gold’s mind when asked to describe his father, the late Jerome Gold, MD ’53. Michael, a fellow CMS alumnus, said his father’s example inspired him and his brother Robert to pursue careers in medicine.

“From an early age, we watched him and how he treated people. He taught us to take care of family first, your patients first, and always give back,” said Michael. “That has really resonated with both me and my brother recently. My brother teaches and organizes events, and I’m doing a lot of giving back now.”

One of Michael’s favorite memories is from his CMS graduation in 1985. “My father presented me with my diploma. It was a special thing.”