John L. Marlow M.D.

01/19/1935 - 07/06/2025

Dr. John Marlow, widely recognized as one of the nation's leading obstetrician/gynecologists, died peacefully on July 6, 2025 at his home in Tilghman Island, MD.
Over a career that spanned more than 50 years, Dr. Marlow became one of the most influential voices in his field. His pioneering work included the early use of minimally invasive laparoscopy in gynecology (belly button surgery). Frequently called upon for his expertise, Dr. Marlow lectured at medical conferences and symposia across the United States and in countries around the world. In 1981, he was nominated for a national Emmy in outstanding individual achievement/creative technical arts for his work with "The Body Human: The Bionic Break-Through". (CBS) He was President of multiple organizations including the American Assn. of Gynecologic Laparoscopists.
Born in Idaho in 1935, Dr. Marlow received his BS in Zoology at BYU in 1957 and his medical degree from George Washington University in 1961. He spent the majority of his career at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, DC where he served as Director, Continuing Medical Education and Chief of Staff. He also held academic roles at George Washington Univ and Georgetown Univ. He was also affiliated with continuing medical education at Sibley Hospital before his retirement in 2016.
In his early years, he served as a captain in the US Air Force at Andrews Air Force Base and was chief of gynecologic oncology and responsible for the care of referral cancer patients from all east coast Air Force bases. He received the Air Force commendation medal for the work he did while stationed there.
In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Marlow was a talented opera singer and performed at Constitution Hall. He also sang with Roberta Flack at Mr. Henry's in Georgetown and was quite an artist; a renaissance man in every sense of the word.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cathy Marlow, his sons John and Jeffrey, three grandchildren and many relatives out west. Countless colleagues and patients admired him for his dedication, insight and compassion.
A memorial service will be held in the near future. Please visit johnmarlowmd.com for more information.