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Richard Sherins Obituary

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of RICHARD JULIUS SHERINS, M.D., on November 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Audrey, and their three daughters. Dr. Sherins was a pioneering figure in the field of andrology and male infertility, whose legacy will continue to impact the lives of many. Born on July 6, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, Richard was primarily raised in Los Angeles alongside his identical twin brother, Robert. He attended UCLA for his undergraduate studies, where he met his beloved wife, Audrey. Dr. Sherins graduated with honors from the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine in 1963, where he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society and the Gold Headed Cane Society. His distinguished medical career began with an internship at the Wadsworth VA Hospital, followed by an internal medicine residency at UCLA, where he served as Chief Resident. He later completed an Endocrine Fellowship at the University of Washington. Dr. Sherins became board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, dedicating his career to male reproductive endocrinology and andrology. Dr. Sherins had a remarkable 20-year tenure at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), serving as a clinical investigator and Section Chief of reproductive endocrinology. His research focused on male reproductive physiology, clinical application of treatments, and the effects of cancer treatments on male fertility, among other vital contributions. He trained numerous endocrine fellows and chaired the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Clinical Research Sub-panel. In 1988, he transitioned to private practice, where he played a crucial role in providing advanced treatments for infertile couples and developed innovative techniques, greatly improving patient care. Throughout his career, Dr. Sherins authored more than 200 papers, served on the editorial boards of major scientific journals, and lectured around the world. He was a founding member and Past President of the American Society of Andrology and contributed significantly to the field's international development, including extensive work in China. Dr. Sherins was not only dedicated to his profession but also cherished his family. He enjoyed a wonderful marriage of over 64 years to his forever partner Audrey, and he leaves behind three loving daughters, Lisa Robbins (Rich), Dana Stutman (Michael) and Mara Rosenthal (Brett) as well as grandchildren Max (Caroline), Ellie, Jackson, Alyssa, Zach, Julian, Noah, Amelia and Henry. A private graveside service will be held, with a memorial service to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org). Dr. Richard Julius Sherins will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine but also for his passion for teaching and his most treasured roles as husband, father, and grandfather. Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Sherins

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Carlos A. Cano

January 24, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will always remember him . Rest in peace Dr. Sherins

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Mike & Megen Opsahl

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Michael Opsahl MD

December 8, 2024

Richard was very special to me in so many ways. I met Richard as a professor at NIH in 1985 when I started my Reproductive Endo & infertility fellowship. Richard was a natural favorite professor since he specialized in male reproduction. Richard was a wonderful teacher who was both academic and clinical at the same time. He taught all of us fellows the importance of the male in the in fertility couple.

Richard was also a personal mentor through fellowship and for the remainder of my professional career. His perspective on male infertility profoundly influenced all his students. I still use a test he developed in the 80´s called the acrosome reaction test.

Richard was also my colleague at Genetics & IVF Institute for 10 years until I left to start my own practice in the Seattle region. I thoroughly enjoyed our many conversations and patient management collaborations. We also published several clinical papers during the time together at GIVF.

Finally, Richard was an inspiration as a leader and all around good person. His quiet wisdom and thoughtfulness was evident is all our conversations. We stayed in contact over the last 20 years since we stopped working together. over the couple of years, we enjoyed sharing books we each read to keep ourselves mentally active.

I will miss Richard very much. I will always recall his good nature, his devotion to his large family and our mutual professional interests.

Marvin Shedd

December 2, 2024

I was a patient of Dr. Sherins at the NIH from 1977 to 1988. He helped us to be able to have two children and now we have just had a granddaughter. My sincere condolences to his family.

Justin and Deb Dunie

November 19, 2024

Richard was a very close friend of my parents for decades. This extended out to my wife and I. He was always interested in what was going on in our lives, even after my parents passed. This is the type of person he was, always interested and always concerned about others in his orbit, both near and far. With our deepest sympathy,
Justin and Deb Dunie

Michael Palladino

November 17, 2024

I was saddened to hear of Dick's passing. My condolences to the Sherins family. As an ASA colleague, Dick was always engaged, enthusiastic, and supportive including working on the Strategic Plan in recent years. As important as ASA was to him, his family was always his pride and joy. Rest in peace, Dr. Sherins.

Paul Shin

November 16, 2024

I began my practice and career in male infertility in 2004 in Washington DC. Dick was gracious, kind, and mentoring and was ever the colleague, never a competitor. My heartfelt condolences to the Sherins family.

Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees

Jay Sandlow

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Jay Sandlow

November 16, 2024

While I did not know Dick well, the few times that we spoke were enlightening. He had a huge impact on the field of male infertility and reproductive endocrinology. He was a leader in many of our societies, yet always willing to meet with young investigators. He will be greatly missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Jay Sandlow

S. Mitchell Harman, MD, PhD

November 15, 2024

Condolences to all the Sherins family. Dick was my mentor when I was a Clinical Associate at NIH in 1979-72. He was an accomplished scientist and physician who set an outstanding example for us aspiring academic endocrinologists. He taught me everything I needed to know about male reproductive endocrinology. I will be forever grateful to him. He was a mensch!

Terry T. Turner

November 15, 2024

I was surprised and saddened to hear of Dick's passing. I knew him as an early, leading figure in American andrology where he was always interested in the work of others and interesting in his own. He always met me with a smile. It will be missed.

Chris and Evelyn Balodemas

November 12, 2024

We send our deepest sympathy to all the Sherins family. It is profound to lose a beloved family member.

Lisa Lagos

November 9, 2024

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Wishing you, my deepest condolences.
Lisa Lagos

Single Memorial Tree

Pepijn & Debbie Driessen-Grika

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Debbie & Pepijn Driessen

November 7, 2024

Wishing you love and our deepest condolences. May you be comforted by the support of family and friends during this very difficult time.

Vernon Kemp

November 6, 2024

Deepest sympathy to the family.
Vernon E. Kemp.

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