Gary Malakoff
December 5, 1955 ~ November 14, 2024
Born in:
Newark, NJ
Resided in:
Chattanooga , TN
Dr. Gary Malakoff
December 7, 1955 – November 14, 2024
Dr. Gary L. Malakoff, a physician and educator, died on Thursday in Chattanooga, TN. He was 68.
The cause was Parkinson’s disease, his family said.
For nearly 40 years, Dr. Malakoff was a practicing internist and professor of medicine. He recently retired as Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga.
Dr. Malakoff was born on December 7, 1955, in Newark, NJ, and graduated from River Dell High School where he was Class President and Valedictorian. He received a B.S., magna cum laude, from Tufts University and an M.D. from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
His survivors include a son, Ian; a daughter, Kate; and one grandchild.
Donations may be made :Davis Phinney Foundation
Donate on the donation page and specify an Honoree: Gary Malakoff.
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Services
Graveside Service: Sunday, November 17, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cedar Park Cemetery
Forest Avenue & Soldier Hill Rd.
Westwood, NJ 07675
(201) 947-3336
Dr. Malakoff will be greatly missed. He was always such a strong source of support for us in our medical training and could always find a way to brighten our day while teaching. I always looked forward to spending time with him in our clinic and he was one of the biggest inspirations in helping me choose my career path. Praying for all friends and family at this time.
Dr. Malakoff was one of my favorite attendings during residency and a favorite mentor. He had a gentle way of teaching, pointing out things as if I already knew it, which made me feel good about learning. He was also a very interesting person to talk to, having traveled widely and being very well read. He will be missed! May he rest in peace!
During the three longest years of my life, Dr. Malakoff was a stabilizing presence for me. I never had a single interaction with him (and there were countless) that I did not leave better just from being around him. He was easily one of the most relatable men I have ever known. In spite of his many accomplishments, he was never condescending or patronizing. He welcomed input from every resident, intern, and med student, giving each one his attention and subsequent encouragement. His approach to patient care demonstrated to us how to provide compassionate care with authenticity and patience. He was able to make hospital rounds enjoyable (if you can believe it).
But more than everything I learned from him clinically, he was a dear friend, a confidant, a mentor, and an ally.
I am eternally grateful for the Lord putting Dr. Malakoff in my life, and I know that I am not alone in this sentiment. My heart grieves for his family, and I hope that there is comfort for Ian, Kate, and his grandchild in knowing that during his time here he made a titanic impact in the lives of those he taught. He will always have a very special place in my heart. Psalm 23:4
Dr. Malakoff was a fellow clerkship director with me for many years. We made the trek to Memphis for retreats and conferences on many occasions. He was such an engaging conversationalist that the hours flew by!! We regularly talked about Europe and the Holocaust. I saw him as a fountain of both knowledge and wisdom. I loved him for his deep integrity and gritty realism. He was a wonderful encourager of medical students!
Gary was such a sweet, precious and kind hearted man. His demeanor was sensitive and attentive as he listened and received guidance. He worked hard, yet his family made him most proud. I won’t forget the look on his face when he shared he would be a grandpa. Gary, I will miss you. There’s a hole in the world now with you not in it.
It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Malakoff during the 14 years he was a faculty member with our UTCOMC, Internal Medicine Department. He was always kind, engaging and appreciative towards me. My heart is saddened at his passing, however, I’m grateful that he was one of the special persons that God placed in my life’s path. My prayer for his family is they will find comfort and strength in knowing he is now at peace. 🙏🏽
Dr. Gary Malakoff wasn’t just a colleague; he was a dear friend and a remarkable human being who profoundly impacted the lives of countless others. From the moment Gary joined our institution in 2008, his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering passion for medical education left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. Dr. Gary Malakoff was a dedicated clinician, beloved educator, and cherished colleague whose career was defined by a deep commitment to medicine and teaching.
Gary’s teaching was nothing short of masterful. His lectures weren’t just educational; they were transformative. He had an extraordinary way of blending science with art, weaving empathy and creativity into every lesson. His acid-base lectures became legendary, and his ability to inspire others to embrace lifelong learning was unmatched.
Beyond the classroom, Gary’s leadership shaped the way we practice and teach medicine. He was instrumental in creating primary care models that reflected his holistic approach to patient care, always ensuring that compassion remained at the heart of what we do.
But what I will always remember most about Gary is the love he had for his children and his grandson who brought him endless joy.
Gary’s legacy of kindness, brilliance, and humanity will forever inspire me and so many others. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
My condolences to the friends, families and colleagues that had the privilege to interact with Dr. Malakoff. He was such a support to the residents and students Like Jenny the rides to retreat were so enjoyable .. hearing about life as a doc for the white house. Rest in Peace nice gentle man.
Gary was a wonderful person. He was attentive and kind to all of his patients (including me). As a colleague of many years, I was very sad to see him leave GW. He will be missed by all who knew him.