Eli A. Friedman, MD
April 9, 1933 - October 7, 2026
Eli A. Friedman, MD, a nephrologist, researcher, and Distinguished Teaching Professor of Medicine at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, died on October 7, 2026, at the age of 93.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Friedman attended Brooklyn College and earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 1957. He completed his medical and nephrology training at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital before serving as an epidemic intelligence officer for the US Public Health Service's Communicable Disease Center from 1961 to 1963. He returned to SUNY Downstate in 1963 and served as chief of nephrology until 2009.
Friedman made significant contributions to dialysis treatment and kidney care. He helped establish the first federally funded dialysis clinic and invented the portable hemodialysis machine known as the "suitcase kidney" in 1973. His invention allowed patients to receive dialysis outside traditional treatment centers, providing greater flexibility in their daily lives.
Throughout his career, Friedman trained 155 nephrology fellows and contributed to research involving kidney transplantation, diabetes, and high blood pressure. He edited nine books, published more than 520 peer-reviewed papers, and served as president of several scientific societies, including the American and International Societies for Artificial Organs.
His professional achievements earned him numerous honors, including recognition as a Master of the American College of Physicians, two honorary degrees, and a fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom.
Friedman's contributions to dialysis innovation, medical education, and kidney research have left a lasting impact on nephrology and the care of people living with kidney diseases.
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