IN REMEMBRANCE : Dr . David L . Doering 7 / 13 / 1954-01 / 17 / 2025
In 1981 , I was a young Army Major newly assigned to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington , D . C . One of my tasks as Director of Intern Training was to interview a tall , earnest and highly intelligent senior medical student named David Doering . His selection to our program was enthusiastically made and we were delighted that he matched with us . He excelled as a resident , and it was clear that he would stand out wherever direction his career would take . After I completed further training in pathology , I found myself again working with Dave who was now a gynecologic oncology fellow in the combined Walter Reed / Bethesda Naval Hospital Program . Following completion of his fellowship , he was assigned as staff to the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston ( San Antonio ) Texas . I continued to see him from time to time during my visits there ( where he told me of patching the cracks and holes in the OR suites with surgical tape – apparently things have improved since the completion of a new hospital ). We also would cross paths as attendees at the Gynecologic Oncology Group and Society of Gynecologic Oncology meetings , sometimes sharing a hotel room . During one such meeting , I told him of my approaching military retirement , and he asked what my plans were . I stated that I was undecided , and he suggested that I look at the University of Louisville , where he was now faculty . I took him up on his offer and ended up there ( which I ultimately chose over the University of Kentucky ). When Dave left the University for the Norton Healthcare system , it wasn ’ t long before I left a potential tenured position at the former to join him at Norton Suburban ( renamed Women ’ s and Children ’ s ) Hospital .
Throughout our clinical careers , Dave remained a friend and advisor . I found his clinical knowledge to be outstanding , and his patient care to be exceptional . One day in my office I was surprised to see the wife of an old Army friend who now practiced gynecology in Georgetown , Kentucky . When she found out that Dave was in Louisville , she insisted on an appointment and drove the hour distance to see him as a patient for routine follow-up . His technical skills were unrivaled , to the point that many patients ( including close family members ) sought him out for non-oncologic surgical problems . I know he had many cancer patients who were devoted to him . I could tell through interactions with his oncology colleagues and nurses that he was professional yet kind and empathetic . I know that other oncologists and institutions in Kentucky , and around neighboring states , would refer patients to him . He also participated in several medical mission trips , providing care to those where resources were limited .
After my full retirement five years ago , I continued to attend the Gynecologic Oncology Tumor Board at Norton . These sessions have allowed me to stay current in my specialty and reconnect with previous colleagues , including Dave . After many a meeting , we would reminisce about old Army times and share photos of expanding families . He would tell me how proud he was of his children ( Andy and Allie ) and their careers , and that his great joy was to practice as father and son , as Andy was now a urogynecologist in the Norton Healthcare system .
In the beginning , Dave ’ s cancer diagnosis was difficult , but he managed it with determination and resolve . I was always happy to hear whenever he had a treatment response or a remission interval . It was good to see him take full advantage of those times . I knew things were declining when I saw him less and less at Tumor Board the past couple of years . The last time I saw him was the beginning of this year , when he was running out of options for further treatment . Nevertheless , he accepted his fate with dignity and grace .
It was with profound sadness that I learned of his passing . Nevertheless , I can look back on a happy association that lasted over 40 years . I am proud and grateful to have had Dave as a friend , colleague and advisor . My most sincere condolences go out to Debbie , the children and grandchildren . I shall miss him very much .
-Dennis M . O ’ Connor , MD
Dr . Doering was a GLMS member for 33 years .
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