Howard Fuchs, MD, professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, died unexpectedly Oct. 28. He was 64.
Dr. Fuchs was born Aug. 21, 1955, in Greeley, Colorado. He attended the Colorado School of Mines where he completed a chemical engineering degree as a student athlete swimmer. He earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1981. After meeting his wife, Cathy, they made Nashville and Vanderbilt their home.
Dr. Fuchs did his residency at VUMC and joined the VUSM faculty in 1986. He has served as the fellowship director for the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology since 1994 and as the section chief for Rheumatology at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System since 1989.
Dr. Fuchs was instrumental in developing clinical guidelines and training curricula for the American College of Rheumatology. He is remembered as an outstanding clinician, an astute teacher and a friend and supporter of many.
“Howard was a caring husband, father, sibling and physician,” said his wife, Cathy Fuchs, MD, professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
“He dedicated his life to serving others and considered this his calling as he attended to the needs of everyone around him — patients, friends and family. He organized every gathering; cooked every family meal. He was uniquely and wonderfully both blunt and empathic, and he was knowledgeable about seemingly endless topics.
“He was funny in his own Howard way, which included a catalogue of geology-themed puns. His faith was shared by his family, and he will be missed.”
Dr. Fuchs is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cathy; sons Chris and Paul, and five siblings. A memorial service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church (3701 Hillsboro Pike) on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will begin prior to the funeral at 1 p.m. in the church’s Masters Common.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Faith Lutheran Church in Eaton, Colorado (36980 Weld County Road, 80615) or the Arthritis Foundation.
