David Paulson M.D.

David Freeman Paulson, M.D., 86, passed away on August 9, 2024 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A true gentleman and scholar, his gracious and kind manner perhaps belied his stunningly keen intellect. He was generous and wise. He loved with all his heart. He was quick witted and easy to laugh and joke, yet he was just as quick to cry at the first notes of a haunting and beautiful symphony. David was, at the same time, brilliant and accomplished, twinkly and goofy, quiet and thoughtful, engaging and serious, pleasant and sensitive. He spent a lifetime teaching and a lifetime learning. David's joyous and curious pursuit of all things was inspiring. He literally saved thousands of lives and he certainly touched many more. David was born in Washington, D.C. to Freeman R. Paulson and Ella H. Paulson. He spent an idyllic youth on and off the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, sailing, fishing, swimming, and crabbing. His mother had performed in a ukulele trio in the early days of live radio, and she fostered David's lifelong appreciation of music. He was proficient with the piano, clarinet, and trumpet. David excelled at academics and sports. The grandson and great grandson of Lutheran ministers, David's faith, integrity, and work ethic formed the foundation from which he pursued all future challenges. David attended Duke University, where he was a four-year letterman on the varsity men's lacrosse team and Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating with the top of his class, David stayed at Duke for medical school, and earned his M.D. in 1964. Following an internship and residency in the Duke Department of Surgery, David spent three years at the National Cancer Institute where he conducted ground-breaking studies in prostate cancer. In 1969, David returned to Duke to complete a Urology residency program and he became a permanent faculty member and medical staff physician in 1972. By 1980, David had become Chief of Urology at Duke Medical Center and a full professor at the young age of 42. He thereafter built a worldwide reputation for his surgical expertise. Patients would travel from all corners of the globe to be treated by David and his growing team of sub-specialists. He was an internationally acclaimed researcher, teacher, speaker, and surgeon who pioneered innovative treatments and procedures to treat urologic medical conditions. He published over 400 manuscripts, trained over 120 residents and 25 fellows at Duke, mentored physicians across the world, and performed thousands of complex and lifesaving surgeries. His decades of thought leadership and technical excellence in urologic oncology revolutionized the treatment of prostate cancer. Under David's tireless guidance, the Duke Urologic Assembly grew into one of the top urology symposia on the planet. His continued support led to the David F. Paulson Endowed Lectureship at Duke. His impact in his field was profound. His legacy at Duke Urology remains indelible. David's professional accomplishments, however, may never equal his success as a husband, father, and friend. David married the love of his life, Ellen, in 1989. Together, for 35 years, they have lovingly shepherded five children and thirteen grandchildren, travelled the world, met new friends and held onto old friends, and engaged in generous philanthropy. For the past 21 years, David and Ellen had been living their best life as they enjoyed new adventures and new pursuits from their home in south Florida. While golf, tennis, fun, and fitness quickly replaced research and surgery after his retirement in 2003, David's passion for leadership and learning never stopped. He and Ellen regularly traveled to Italy to study the language, he diligently worked on his piano, he became a member of the Vestry at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, and he became Chairman of the BallenIsles community association, among varied pursuits large and small. David and Ellen also continued their long history of giving in their new community. David is survived by his wife, Ellen, their children, Robin, David, Jr., Brooke, Tony and Julia, their twelve grandchildren and their great granddaughter. David was simply a perfect father, wonderful husband, thoughtful teacher, and genius physician in the form of a sweet and gentle man. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 26, 2024 at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, 141 S. County Road in Palm Beach, Florida 33480. A reception will follow at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the church at BBTS.org and to BallenislesCharitiesFoundation.org.