David A. Bailen, M.D.

David A. Bailen, M.D.

David A. Bailen, of Dedham, formerly of Newton, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023. Beloved and devoted husband of Helene Bailen of 57 years. Loving father of Laurence Bailen, M.D., and his wife Jennifer Weber, of Newton and Mark Bailen and his wife Jessica Rosenworcel, of Washington, DC. Cherished Papa of Daniel, Lily and Molly Bailen, of Newton, and Caroline and Emmett Bailen, of Washington, DC. Beloved uncle of Jeffrey Kateman and his wife Nam, Jonathan Kateman and his wife Millie, Jill Glashow and her husband Jason, Laurie Medvinsky and her husband Larry, and Eric Davidson and his wife Kelly, and brother-in-law of Kenneth Davidson. He will also be missed by numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Judy Bailen Kateman, brother-in-law Paul Kateman, and sister-in-law Arlene Davidson.

He was born in Boston on July 27, 1941 to Marion and Edward Bailen. A devoted son to his parents, David was also a cherished nephew to numerous aunts and uncles.  He was raised in Brookline and Newton.  He attended the Driscoll Elementary School in Brookline and Weeks Junior High School in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1959, Brown University in 1963, and Boston University School of Medicine in 1967, where he was an Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society graduate. He was Chief Resident in Medicine at University Hospital, Boston Medical Center and subsequently completed a fellowship in Rheumatology. He went on to develop a thriving primary care practice at Boston Medical Center spending his entire 40 year career there. He loved internal medicine and the relationships he formed with his patients.  He was known throughout the medical center as a superior diagnostician, an intelligent, dedicated, and, above all, kind individual and physician. He was beloved by hospital staff and patients alike.  He was a doctor’s doctor.

As an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at BU School of Medicine and Instructor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, David taught students and medical residents at Boston Medical Center and Faulkner Hospital for many years. He was President of the Medical-Dental Staff at Boston Medical Center and served as President of the medical staff at the former Jewish Memorial Hospital in Roxbury. He also served as Chair of the Patient Care Committee and other committees at Boston Medical Center. He was President of the BU School of Medicine Alumni Association, dedicating many hours to the medical school.

David was devoted to his synagogue, Temple Israel of Boston. He regularly attended weekly Torah study, Shabbat services, and many educational and musical programs. He served as Chair of the Music Committee. 

He was a voracious reader, constantly curious, loved making connections with everyone he encountered, and enjoyed teaching, especially his children and grandchildren.  His interests were as varied as classical, ragtime, and cajun music, politics, foreign affairs, public transportation, especially trains, and New England beaches. He loved walking, swimming, and music.  He was an eternal optimist and loved life.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Israel of Boston, 477 Longwood Ave, on Sunday April 23 at 1:30pm. Interment to follow at Temple Israel Cemetery in Wakefield.  Shiva will follow on Sunday, 7-9pm, Monday, 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and Tuesday 7-9pm at Jennifer and Laurence’s home. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to the Fund for Music at Temple Israel of Boston (https://www.tisrael.org/make-ti-yours/give-to-temple-israel) and/or to the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (www.bu.edu/give2busm) under the “Dean’s Discretionary Fund” with a note that the gift is in memory of David A. Bailen, M.D