Izaak Alan Ulert

Dr. Izaak Alan Ulert, MD, passed away Sunday, March 11, a week after celebrating his 99th birthday. He was born March 2, 1913 in Bedzin, Poland. He met his future wife, Renee, when they were teenagers. In Nancy, France, Renee completed dental school and Alan finished medical school.

Houston became their home in the 1940‘s where Alan became the quintessential family doctor for over 50 years. His patients became his friends. He delivered countless babies, saw them through measles, mumps, and chicken pox, accepted their ‘collect’ calls when they went off to college and needed advice, and even delivered their babies when they became adults. Several generations of numerous families trusted Alan as their doctor. Even after he officially retired, former patients would call to check if a diagnosis from their new doctor was correct.

Alan was also the physician for the French Consulate for over 30 years and holds the French Government’s decoration for his services. He was a fellow of the International College of Surgeons, as well as a fellow of the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons. He has authored numerous research papers and studies, some of which address Infectious Diseases, Cleanliness and Prevention of Illnesses, and Limiting Use of Post-Operative Drugs, and was invited to speak at medical conferences around the world.

Alan was also an inventor and held numerous patents for surgical instruments, safety and medical devices, and others. He worked on several prototypes with the NASA Technology Outreach Program. At the age of 90, he devised a new artificial heart that is in the process of being successfully tested on animals.

When Alan discovered any sort of new gadget, he had to have it. More often than not, he wouldn’t buy just one, but many, because he knew that everyone would think they were as great as he did. Visitors would often leave with a new flashlight, miniature tool set, or a watch that could tell the time and weather. He had an iphone the first day it went on sale. When the MacBookAir was introduced, his laptop suddenly became too heavy and he needed the new one. In recent months he learned to Skype, and enjoyed visiting online with his granddaughter in New York and watching her dogs play.

The family would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice and the staff at Seasons Personal Care Home. A special thanks go to Dee and Tina, the dearest caregivers anyone could hope to have, and who will always hold a precious place in our hearts.

While all who knew Alan will miss his brilliant mind, we can find comfort in knowing that there will finally be enough Java Chip Ice Cream left on store shelves for the rest of us to enjoy.

Alan was preceded in death by his wife, Renee. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne & Tim Tibai and his granddaughter Heather Hess and fiancee Wes Joyce. A small private gathering was held was held at Emanu El Memorial Park. Rabbi Roy Walter officiated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Holocaust Museum, Houston or American Friends of Magen David Adom.