Dr. David B. Melchinger

Dr. David B. Melchinger, a well-known New Haven internist, died Tuesday, 7 November 2023 after a long illness. He was 83.  A graduate of Harvard, with honours,1962, and Yale Medical School class of 1966, also with honours, he married Christine Madison in 1965. He fulfilled his Public Service with the CDC/World Health Smallpox Eradication / Measles Control program in several of the 18 participating West African countries while based in Accra, Ghana.

Dave’s son, Glenn,  was born at Korle-Bu Hospital in Accra in 1968. The Melchingers returned to Yale where Dave completed his training.  He mentored Yale Nursing students, taught medical residents, worked a decade at Yale Health then 33 years in his private practice at 100 York Street. Ian, his second son, arrived in 1970.

Dave taught a fourth grade science class at the Edgewood School,  he worked with Cicely Saunders and others to initiate Hospice in New Haven in early 1970s. He enjoyed answering questions posed by her followers on the Faith Middleton Show.  Fascinated by the human condition,  he was a gentle listener and loved puzzling diagnoses.  He kept every confidence. Ever honourable, elegant, and highly skilled,  he was always patient and wise. He enriched all who knew him with his generosity and kindness. He deeply enjoyed reading and discussion with his family, friends and many patients throughout his life, philosopher, that he was.  He never missed opportunity for a pun.

He lived his life fully as beloved husband for 58 years to Chris, alway proud of him and his profession. He leaves sons, Glenn and Ian, also Stephanie, Wendy, Anya, Hannah, Isabel, Dio, Marguerite, and many other family and dear friends about the U.S. and abroad.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the General Nursing Fund for nursing education and professional development in gratitude for the extraordinary care Dave and his family received in the CCU. Please make checks payable to Yale New Haven Hospital and mail to YNHH Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. Please include Dr. Melchinger’s name on the memo line.

Secure online gifts can be  made at 222.givetoynhh.org, making note of Fund and including David B. Melchinger M.D.’s name.

Thank you.

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