In memory of Dr. Peter Smith and Dr. Patricia O'Neill

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Peter R Smith, MD, retired pulmonologist and PNHP - NY Metro Board Member, and his wife, Patricia O’Neill, MD, a lead trauma surgeon at Brookdale Hospital, on February 17th, 2023.  Both will be greatly missed. 

Over the past few years, Peter had been an incredibly active member of the Board of Directors of PNHP-NY Metro.  In addition to participating in the Executive and Finance Committees, Peter led the Program Committee.  His largest contribution, however, was as Chair of the Education and Outreach Working Group.  He tirelessly worked to spread information about single-payer healthcare at both the state and federal levels.  Regularly speaking at Grand Rounds and other professional meetings, Peter also helped coordinate a robust outreach program to identify grassroots groups to not only educate people about alternatives to the country’s current health system, but also to provide them with ways to engage in advocacy towards that goal.  

Peter received his medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.  He served as Chief of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Co-Director of the Thoracic Center and Co-Director of the Asthma Center, director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, and director of the Smoking Cessation Center all at Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, NY.  Peter was a Professor of Clinical Medicine at SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, and was the author of more than 80 scientific publications.  He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians, and a member of the American Thoracic Society, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and the New York Academy of Sciences.  Peter served on the board of directors of the American Lung Association of Brooklyn for 15 years and was past president of that organization and the American Lung Association of New York City. 

Voted one of the "Best Doctors in New York" by New York Magazine, Peter was also selected for inclusion in the Castle Connolly Guide, "The Best Doctors - New York Metro Area" and the Woodward White Guide, "The Best Doctors in America.”

The family welcomes you to make a contribution to PNHP - NY Metro, below, in Peter and Patricia's honor.