Remembering Dr. Milton “Tony” Gumbs, Associate Dean Emeritus
It is with great sadness we learned that Milton A. Gumbs, associate dean emeritus and associate professor emeritus in the department of surgery has passed away.
Dr. Gumbs earned his medical degree from the University of Bologna and completed his residency in general surgery at BronxCare Health System. Upon the completion of his medical training, Dr. Gumbs served in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit of the United States Army in Korea, where he held the rank of major. For service to his country, Dr. Gumbs was awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Surgery.
His career afterward was marked by a deep commitment to the Bronx community, serving as the chief medical officer at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, president of the Bronx Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, president of the Bronx Medical Society, and president of the Medical Board of BronxCare.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Gumbs was a passionate educator. As an Einstein faculty member in the surgery department, he inspired generations of medical students, instilling in them the values of integrity, curiosity, and service. His scholarly contributions spanned a wide range of topics, from visceral surgery to global health, and he co-authored numerous influential publications that advanced the field of general surgery.
Dr. Gumbs believed deeply in the power of international collaboration and humanitarian outreach. He championed programs like Doctors Without Borders and advocated for global surgical electives, recognizing the transformative impact of cross-cultural medical exchange.
In his personal life, Dr. Gumbs was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Marisa, whom he met during medical school in Italy. He also took great pride in the achievements of his children—his son, Dr. Andrew Gumbs, and his daughter, Lisa Gumbs, whose successes brought him immense joy.
Dr. Milton Gumbs will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, kindness, and integrity.
Posted on: Tuesday, August 19, 2025