Marvin Lawrence Berman MD

Nashville—Dr. M. Lawrence (Larry) Berman passed away suddenly on November 18, 2019 at the age of 90. He was born in Stamford, Connecticut on July 13, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Harry Berman. He is survived by his wife, Leah, his sons, Lawrence (Lani) and Michael (April), grandsons, Lawson and Gavin, and granddaughter, Emilia.

Dr. Berman received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Connecticut in 1951 and 1954, his Ph. D. from the University of Washington in 1956, and his M.D. degree from the University of North Carolina in 1964. Before medical school, he served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, working on Project Mercury. Following appointments as an assistant professor and associate professor of anesthesiology at Northwestern Medical School, he began his career at Vanderbilt University in 1974 as a professor in anesthesiology and associate professor of pharmacology. Until his retirement from Vanderbilt in 1999, Dr. Berman provided distinguished service as a scientist, practicing anesthesiologist, and mentor and trainer of outstanding individuals and resident physicians. Among his achievements are many firsts in research and clinical studies, the introduction of several clinical innovations, and pioneering work in the use of certain drugs in neurosurgical procedures.

In his retirement, Dr. Berman continued his lifelong love of learning, was a devoted Tar Heels fan, treated his wife like a queen, loved his family, and charmed everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him with his gentle smile and twinkling eyes.

Funeral services will be at 1:00pm on Thursday, November 21, at the Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KIPP Nashville or The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom.