Donald Kotler

Donald P. Kotler, MD, distinguished physician, researcher, and educator, passed away on February 22nd, 2026 at the age of 78. Dr. Kotler has had a truly remarkable academic career, and was widely respected for his groundbreaking work in the fields of gastroenterology, nutrition, and HIV medicine, and for his deep commitment to improving the health and lives of his patients.

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1947, Dr. Kotler dedicated his life to medicine, scientific inquiry, teaching, and helping all those in need of medical care. A proud graduate of Rutgers University, he earned his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1973, and completed his training at Bronx Municipal Hospital Center (now Jacobi Medical Center) and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He emerged as a pioneer in the study of HIV-related wasting and metabolic complications. In the early 1980s, he was one of very few gastroenterologists who cared for and treated HIV/AIDS patients, and published on their GI findings and nutritional care. His research and clinical insights starting at the very beginning of the AIDS crisis shaped the care of countless individuals and advanced understanding of how chronic illness affects the human body.

Dr. Kotler served as the GI Division Director for St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital (now Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West), where he worked for much of his career and in 2016 returned to Jacobi to serve as its GI Division Director. Dr. Kotler was a professor of medicine at Columbia University, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Einstein, where he mentored generations of GI Fellows, medical residents, medical students, and colleagues. In 2006 Donald Kotler was honored by Einstein as its Distinguished Alumnus, one of the medical school’s highest honors, and one of Dr. Kotler’s proudest achievements. He was a dedicated teacher and mentor who believed in compassion as much as precision, and a scientist who valued humanity above all else.

Colleagues remember Dr. Kotler as an insightful and thoughtful clinician and scientist, but also understated and humble. He conversed earnestly, never afraid to join a debate on science or clinical treatment. He loved giving lectures, joining panels, and presenting research, and leaves an extensive legacy of scientific publications. Family and friends cherish him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who found joy in conversation, music, and family. He was a true mensch, and will be deeply missed.

Donald P. Kotler, MD is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Kotler, his daughter, Dana Kotler MD, his son Aaron Kotler, and grandson Richard Kotler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Mildred Kotler, and his brothers Stuart Kotler MD and Richard Kotler.

A memorial service will be held on February 26 at 11:30 AM at Beth-El Synagogue in New Rochelle, NY followed by burial at Sharon Gardens, Valhalla, NY. Shiva will be from 1-6 PM including evening services, and 7:30-9 PM at 110 Broadfield Road, New Rochelle, NY. A livestream and recording can be found at https://www.legacycelebrated.com/donald-kotler/. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Coalition on Positive Health Empowerment (https://copehealth.org/support-cope/), the Chabad of Woodstock (https://www.jewishwoodstock.org/), and the Chabad at Reed College (http://jewishreed.com/).

Dr. Donald Kotler’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched—as a healer, a mentor, a pioneer in medicine, and a true humanitarian.

Shiva will be held at the

Kotler family home,

(110 Broadfield Rd, New Rochelle, NY 10804)

according to the following schedule:

Thursday, February 26,

Following burial until 6:00 PM and 7:30 - 9:00 PM,

with minyan at 5:30 PM.

Friday, February 27,

1:00 - 4:00 PM

(visiting hours only).

Sunday, March 1,

1:00 - 6:00 PM and 7:30 - 9:00 PM

with minyan at 5:30 PM.

Monday, March 2,

1:00 - 6:00 PM and 7:30 - 9:00 PM

with minyan at 5:30 PM.

Tuesday, March 3,

1:00 - 6:00 PM and 7:30 - 9:00 PM

with minyan at 5:30 PM.