Dr. James Barry Broselow

Dr. James Barry Broselow, a pioneering emergency physician, visionary, and entrepreneur, passed away suddenly on February 20th, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of medical innovation which transformed the landscape of pediatric emergency medicine forever. His contributions to the field continue to save lives across the world.

James Broselow is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Charlotte. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mildred Ella Taylor; his devoted daughter Sabrina Moser, her husband Marc and his cherished grandsons, Wolfgang James and Leopold Roland. He is also survived by his siblings, Dr. Robert Broselow, Eileen Broselow Falciani, and Nancy Broselow.

Born on January 12th, 1943, the son of a family doctor and a jazz vocalist, Jimmy grew up in Franklinville, NJ where he was the high school quarterback and all-round star athlete. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Dartmouth College in 1965 and his medical degree from the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry in 1969. Initially board-certified as a family physician, he entered private practice in Frankenmuth, Michigan, before transitioning to emergency medicine. In 1980, he moved to Hickory, North Carolina, where he practiced at Lincoln County Hospital, Cleveland Memorial, and Catawba Valley Medical Center before retiring from clinical practice in 2006 in order to devote himself to his visionary and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Dr. Broselow revolutionized pediatric emergency medicine with the creation of the Broselow Tape, developed in 1985 in collaboration with Dr. Robert Luten of the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Luten became not only a professional partner and close friend but, as Jim liked to say, “the other half of my brain.” Together, the mighty duo developed a groundbreaking color-coded system which significantly reduced stress and the potential for error in life-saving situations. Nearly 40 years later, the Broselow Tape remains a cornerstone in pediatric emergency care worldwide, with Dr. Broselow hailed as the “rock star” of pediatric medicine.

The holder of numerous patents, Dr. Broselow remained committed to paradigm-shifting change in medical practice, and in later years, he worked closely with local investors to bring his endless flow of new ideas to fruition. At the time of his death, he was excited to be working in close conjunction with the Duke University Medical Center to launch an innovative communication-based technology for the transition of patient care in emergency situations.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was known for his sharp wit, charismatic personality, devotion to Millie, and his love of simple pleasures. Whether it be oyster night at the club, playing golf on a fresh spring morning, or drinking a gin and tonic on the front porch on a soft summer night, he took a boyish delight in life’s small joys. The great innovator and thinker will best be remembered, not in a white coat and stethoscope, but rather, sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee, a cat on his lap, a dog at his feet, dreaming away about the latest big idea.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Hickory.