Dr. Fredric W. Pullen II

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Fredric W. Pullen of Westlake, Florida on Wednesday, October 1 at the age of 90. Fred was born to Arnold and Ollie Pullen on February 10, 1935, in Chicago Illinois. As the firstborn, he was a devoted brother to his sister Nancy and his two brothers Richard and Ralph, who all preceded him in death.

In 1946, Fred was stricken with polio. During his hospitalization he heard the doctor make the children in the iron lungs giggle and laugh, and it was then that Fred decided that he wanted to become a doctor.

After graduating from Grandville High School, he attended the University of Michigan where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Zoology followed by the University of Michigan Medical School where he earned his M.D. in 1959. He enlisted in the United States Air Force as a senior medical student. His time in the US Air Force took him to Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya. As the only trained ear surgeon in Europe, the Southern Mediterranean, and Northern Africa, he was the surgeon to King Idris of Libya and the royal family. And as a flight surgeon with the Air Force, he helped evacuate wounded US forces in Vietnam.

He received his specialty training in otolaryngology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital and was a Clinical Instructor-Otolaryngology at Harvard University Medical School. After his residency, he was based at Brook General Hospital in San Antonio and was a member of the otolaryngology team who were checking the hearing, sinuses, and balance issues of the first United States astronaut candidates located at Lackland USAF Hospital.

Dr Pullen relocated to Miami in 1969 where he was the Assistant Chief of Otolaryngology at the University of Miami Medical School and was Chief of ENT at the VA Hospital. He later opened his private ENT practice in Miami and was based out of Mercy and North Shore hospitals. He was inducted into the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in 1968, and in 1970 was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was an active member of the American Neurotology Society, inducted in 1974, and served as the ANS President from 1992-93.

Dr. Pullen was also a pioneering team in the early development of the cochlear implant and later partnered with 3M develop the cochlear implant. He was one of the first 22 surgeons trained to perform a cochlear implant surgery, paving the way for patients to regain their hearing. He was a pioneer in treating hearing loss, dizziness, and brain tumors.

Professionally, Dr. Pullen’s patients knew him as a deeply caring physician who answered their questions with compassion, prayed with them, and spent time with each one as though they were his only patient.

Dr. Pullen also authored or contributed to more than 50 books, manuals, and journal articles, the first being written while he was in medical school. His most noteworthy contribution was an article in the American Journalist of Otology in 1992 entitled “Perilymph Fistula after Barotrauma.” This landmark article cited his experience treating scuba divers presenting with sudden deafness and vertigo after diving and discussed the role of surgical management to repair the barotrauma induced perilymph fistula. He was a well-respected visiting professor, guest lecturer, and consultant for numerous academic and professional programs. His work was also featured in a number of scientific exhibits, television programs, and movies aimed to aid the physicians coming behind him to bring healing to those they serve.

Dr. Pullen’s most often-stated medical advice was “Never put anything into your ear canal except your elbow. Try to move if you can; even a football player loses muscle after two days in bed. Please take all of your antibiotics as prescribed.” And finally, “Go Blue!”

Fred’s friendships knew no bounds and spanned the globe. Some of his most treasured friendships were anchored in Nantucket where he and his wife Nancy enjoyed curating an art gallery and manufacturing and designing jewelry. A dear friend to many, Fred was a proud member of both Nantucket’s Wharf Rats and Westlake’s Cresswind ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out). One of his proudest memories was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his son Fred.

A dedicated father, he encouraged his children in their accomplishments, and was thrilled to see his son Fred receive his MBA and his son Tom graduate from law school. He was instrumental in encouraging daughter Andrea Herzer’s ministry for those with health issues, proudly sharing her book Incurable Faith with patients and hospital staff alike. He also enjoyed diving, studying the Theory of Origins, going on cruises, and playing with his beloved cats.

Fred traveled extensively to volunteer his time on medical mission trips, particularly with Christ Fellowship Church where he served the Lord faithfully. Some of his most treasured mission work was in Haiti, Kenya, Malaysia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Grand Cayman, and in the Kurdish refugee camps in Northern Iraq. He was also a frequent guest lecturer for the Christian Medical Society. Fred also received a Master’s degree in Christian Ministry from The Orlando Institute in 2001. As a dedicated Christ-follower, he also taught classes on Creationism from the perspective of a scientist, which led many skeptics to embrace the love of their Creator.

Fredric is survived by his best friend and wife of 45 years, Nancy Ann Pullen, beloved children Fred Pullen (Lara), Andrea Herzer (Mark), and Thomas Pullen (Laran), as well as treasured niece Tisha Childs and her children, five much-loved grandchildren, and one precious great-grandson. He leaves a huge void in our lives, but we take comfort in knowing our favorite physician is finally and forever healed.

A memorial service in Fredric’s honor will be held at the South Campus of Christ Fellowship Church on Thursday, January 22nd at 10am 5312 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to:

Place of Hope:

https://www.placeofhope.com/donate/

Christ Fellowship Church Impact Fund:

https://www.christfellowship.church/give

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League:

https://peggyadams.org/help/donate/#honor-memorial