Nancy Fay Fishback

Nancy F. Fishback, M.D., age 79 passed away July 21, 2025. Born July 12, 1946, in New Orleans, LA., to the late Guy and Dora Fishback. Nancy grew up in Indianapolis, IN, graduating from Shortridge High School, Indiana University and Indiana University Medical School (1970.) She is survived by her sister, Lyn Baxt Fishback of Westerville O, niece and nephews Seth D. Peters (Brandon Peters), Anna N. Peters, Justin B. Peters and wife Maria (Fran, Beau and Blake). Her long-time life partner, Michael Margolius M.D., with whom she lived in Williamsburg, VA.

Nancy grew up knowing she wanted to be a doctor, never looking back. She began her career with a rotating internship at Touro Infirmary, Tulane

University then studied anesthesiology at Abba Khoushy School of Medicine, Rambam Government Hospital in Haifa, Israel. She served as a medical officer for the Israel Defense Forces during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 before returning to the U.S. where she completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Tulane. She later completed a residency in anatomic pathology at

University of Texas Health Science Center, a fellowship in pulmonary disease at Tulane, and then served as a Commander in the Medical Corps of the United States Navy.

She went to Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in 1998 and was appointed full Professor of Medicine and Pathology in 2005. An interest in sleep disorders led her to work in a joint program between EVMS and the Sentara Health Care system. Her research focused on the effects of sleep deprivation on mood, memory, recall, and decision-making. Her studies have investigated ways to reduce the number of automobile deaths related to sleep, as well as the relationship between sleep and aging.

While researching and helping patients with sleep disorders, Dr. Fishback built a parallel career as an award-winning teacher of medical students. Four years in a row (2002-2005), she won the coveted Sir William Osler Award for Excellence in Teaching Basic Science given each year by the graduating class at EVMS. She also won the prestigious Dean's Faculty Achievement Award for excellence in teaching in 2000.

She is the author of numerous abstracts, articles, and reviews, and was a frequent speaker and presenter at sleep research conferences.

It has been said that her calm demeanor and quiet leadership skills led her and those around her to academic, clinical, and research excellence.

MILESTONES

1988 Appointed Chief of Staff, Humana Hospital Metropolitan, San Antonio, TX

1998-2005 Appointed Associate Professor of Medicine and Pathology (1998),

Appointed Full Professor of Medicine and Pathology (2005), Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, VA

Of all her accomplishments, Dr. Fishback pointed to her teaching as especially rewarding. "When you are teaching, you get a glimpse into how you can touch somebody's life and make a difference.

That is a tremendous reward."

Donations in Dr. Fishback's memory may be made to The Ganzhorn Suites, Specialized Memory Care.

10272 Sawmill Pkway, Powell, OH 43065.