Lynn Taussig had a stellar career in medicine as a physician, a researcher and as the CEO of one the nation’s premier research institutes, National Jewish Health. Rare though they may be, there are other stellar doctors, researchers and administrators, but Lynn Taussig was stellar in something else, something even more difficult: in humanity, in family, in optimism and in balance.
Balance is a remarkable trait in our fast-paced, often confused world. Balance is all the more remarkable for a person of Lynn Taussig’s level of knowledge and achievements. He was laser focused on research to improve our understanding and treatment of asthma — and research is demanding. So are the publications resulting therefrom. Yet, Taussig balanced his research with his unflappable friendly demeanor and grand smile.
It was always a pleasure to be in the presence of Lynn Taussig.
When the opportunity to lead National Jewish arose in 1993, Taussig had to balance research and administration, which he threw himself into with typical gusto. He expanded National Jewish’s facilities and research, while leading the rest of institution forward.
Taussig was both an innovative fundraiser and an innovator science. Balance. On his watch, National Jewish engaged in new treatment and scientific realms, ensuring that the institutions retained leadership role in AIDS, lupus, new strains of TB, asthma and immunological disorders. During his tenure, National Jewish was called Jewish Medical and Research Center.”
In 2001, in the annual IJN Passover Kudos to special people who bring more freedom into our lives, we wrote about Dr. Taussig:
“Nor does Taussig’s innovation stop with fundraising and medicine. He is a recognized expert on the changes taking place in the healthcare industry. He smooths the way for patients to receive better care and for physicians to deliver it, focuses on outpatient treatment programs and cooperative associations with other Denver medical and research institutions, and resists government attempts to cut back on medical research funding.”
Taussig was the first physician to lead National Jewish, an example that has since been emulated. The advantages of a physician leading a medical research center are obvious, provided the administrative skill matches the medical expertise. Taussig had both. Balance.
We might add that Lynn Taussig was a stellar Coloradan. His medical career brought him to Arizona for 19 years, but he then spent 32 years in Colorado. He headed National Jewish here. He was a special advisor for life sciences at the University of Denver, where he launched an institute for aging. He joined local Jewish organizations. He relished the Colorado lifestyle. He mentored medical fellows here. He left an international mark; it emanated mostly from Colorado.
He left behind institutions that flourished after he left them. There is no better tribute to his idealism and effectiveness. He was humble enough to realize that the institution is bigger than the man, taking his place in a long, noble history.
We’ll miss Lynn Taussig. He was a bright light in so many lives, including our own.
© IJN 2025
