Dr. Richard Elliot Wolin M.D.

WOLIN - Dr. Richard Elliot, MD
a psychiatrist, passed away quietly at his residence, on June 28, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Dr. Wolin practiced psychiatry in Western New York for over 50 years. He was well-known and well-respected by his peers and greatly loved by his patients. Dr. Wolin, 85, was born in New York City on May 7, 1938, the only child of the late Adele (Dimowitz) and the late Dr. Joseph Wolin, a dentist. He grew up in the Grand Concourse section of the Bronx, in the shadow of Yankee Stadium. Always a scholar, he knew at an early age that he wanted to be a physician, specifically a psychiatrist. He was accepted into the Bronx High School of Science, an honor reserved for outstanding students in New York City. Afterward, he attended the University of Buffalo (then still a private school), graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. He went on to the University's medical school (by now SUNY at Buffalo) receiving his MD in 1964 and completed his psychiatry residency training at UB's Affiliated Hospitals program in 1968. Before starting practice, Dr. Wolin served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1970, during the Vietnam era. As a Captain, he was stationed in Wichita Falls, TX, where he was one of the first psychiatrists to evaluate servicemen returning from "in country." This experience, especially with PTSD, was valuable for the rest of his career. Returning to Buffalo, he began private practice psychiatry in partnership with Dr. Harold Levy. Subsequently, he opened his own private practice, acquiring associates over the years including the psychiatrists Dr. Adam Ashton, Dr. Wendy Weinstein, Dr. Christopher Deakin and Dr. Richard Bennett. During this time, Dr. Wolin and his associates joined the Buffalo Medical Group. Later, as Dr. Wolin decided to cut back, he left to become Chief of Psychiatry for Horizon Human Services, from 2000 until 2018, when he retired at age 80. His greatest interests in psychiatry included psychopharmacology, the study of chemical imbalances in the brain and the medications used to treat them and became an acknowledged expert in the field. Other interests included mood and dissociative disorders. He was a member of numerous professional organizations over the years including American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Neuropsychiatric Association, and the Western New York Psychiatric Society. In addition, he was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry for UB's medical school and was a popular teacher and mentor for generations of medical students and residents. Outside work, he enjoyed regular dinners with a group of old friends and formerly went on regular fishing trips to the French River in Ontario. He also was a long-time member of Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo, NY and supported many Jewish and other charitable organizations throughout his life. In 1995, Dr. Wolin married Dr. Elizabeth A. Doherty, MD, a local neurologist. They shared their love of traveling and the sea and developed a passion for ocean liners. They took countless European cruises and Transatlantic Crossings on the legendary Cunard liners. Their love for the ocean eventually lead them to buy a condominium on Sanibel Island in 1999. Sadly, this beloved winter home was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. In addition to Dr. Doherty, Dr. Wolin is also survived by his former wife, Anita (Feigenblum) Wolin and two daughters, Marci Wolin Murphy (Joshua) of Portland, ME and Jodi A. Wolin of Boston, MA. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Hunter A. Murphy of Portland, ME. In lieu of flowers, donations to Niagara Hospice would be greatly appreciated. A celebration of Dr. Wolin's life and career with all interested friends, professional associates, family, and patients will be planned at a later date. Professional arrangements are under the care of the Goodlander family, OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007). Share condolences and memories at GOODLANDERCARES.com