Sherwin B. Nuland

Date of Birth: December 8, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: March 3, 2014

Biography

Sherwin B. Nuland was an American surgeon, writer, and medical ethicist known for his contemplative works on the nature of medicine, the human condition, and the process of dying. Born in New York City, Nuland grew up in a Jewish immigrant family, which instilled in him a deep respect for education and hard work. He attended Bronx High School of Science before earning his undergraduate degree from New York University. Nuland then went on to Yale School of Medicine, where he would later become a Clinical Professor of Surgery and teach bioethics and medical history. Nuland gained widespread recognition with his book “How We Die: Reflections on Life’s Final Chapter,” which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1994. The book was praised for its candid and humane discussion of death, a topic often shrouded in fear and taboo. Throughout his career, Nuland wrote several other influential books and articles, making significant contributions to both medical literature and public understanding of medical ethics. In addition to his work as an author and educator, Nuland held various positions within the medical community and served on several boards and committees aimed at improving healthcare standards and medical ethics.

5 Interesting Facts about Sherwin B. Nuland

1. Sherwin B. Nuland’s original surname was Nudelman, which his father changed after immigrating to the United States.

2. Nuland’s book “How We Die” was translated into numerous languages and has sold over half a million copies worldwide.

3. He struggled with severe depression and underwent electroconvulsive therapy, which he later discussed openly to help reduce the stigma around mental health issues.

4. Nuland was a Fellow of the Hastings Center, an independent bioethics research institute.

5. He was awarded the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1994 for “How We Die.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sherwin B. Nuland

1. “The dignity we seek in dying must be found in the dignity with which we have lived our lives.”

2. “We die, in turn, not because we must but because we are made to.”

3. “The belief in the possibility of death is the beginning of understanding.”

4. “Medicine’s purpose is to prevent significant disease, to relieve the suffering of those who have it, and to postpone death when possible.”

5. “I want to tell people that it’s okay to be afraid of death, but it’s not okay to be paralyzed by it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Sherwin B. Nuland’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, primarily from his successful books and academic contributions.