FORT WORTH, Texas — It is with much despair and sadness that I must report the unexpected death of my brother, Victor Neal Meltzer, MD. Despite drinking illegally-purchased liquor from our favorite vendor in Albert, Vic graduated with high honors from Great Bend High, class of ’69. He bested both of his brothers in becoming an Eagle Scout with not one, but a
second “Silver” palm, as well. As a HS junior, he returned from a summer program at Northwestern University, declaring he would win one of only 30 slots to be admitted to their “Six Year Wonder” program. The program gave its students an automatic admission to the prestigious Northwestern Medical School two years after their undergraduate work at the university’s main campus in Evanston, Ill. In Vic’s typical zeitgeist, he taught himself the necessary chemistry and physics to ace the SATs, and gain one of those coveted appointments.
He was an outstanding physician, rising in the ranks at the highly-regarded Washington University’s Barnes Hospital, where he was invited to stay an extra year as chief resident, a highly sought after honor. As the chief resident, he was famous for telling the on call, in house resident, “I’ll be home with my pager if you need me, but remember, it’s a sign of weakness.”
He remained at Wash U for a fellowship in nephrology, where he was known at the ICU bedside for the profound statement, “Remember this: Pee is the sign of life!”
Even today, every medical student, resident, and many practicing physicians still carry a copy of the famous “Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics.” Victor wrote the chapter on “The Management of Hypertension” during his stint at Wash U,
Vic moved to Arlington, Texas and the private practice of nephrology, establishing the North Texas Nephrology Associates. He treated thousands of patients, both in the dialysis units he built, and in and outpatient care. His keen mind, fund of knowledge, deep sense of commitment, and compassion made him the physician that all of us strive to be.
Despite an early knowledge that he would be blind as an adult, Vic maintained an excellent sense of humor, was witty, and loved telling and hearing jokes. Fostered by an amazing coin and stamp collection, Vic was an astute student of American history, devouring “books on tape” about the many personalities that have shaped our country.
He was highly respected, admired and loved by his colleagues, students, coworkers, friends, and family. All the sibs, and his two daughters were proud to have him as a member of the tribe.
He is survived by his two daughters, Dr. Karie Meltzer and Allie, son-in-law Maximillian Thompson, as well as by his two loving brothers and a sister. One last quip from Vic, which seems so apropos I couldn’t resist, “You should always go to your friend’s funeral, or they won’t come to yours.”
Victor, you never let us down. Karie on. Your dedicated and dignified work here is done. RIP, My Brother. - sdm
Donations are requested to be made to your local Lighthouse for the Blind or the Lighthouse for the Blind in Fort Worth, Texas.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 22, 2024
