Remembering Dr. Howard Wilinsky: Physician, Mentor, Humanitarian

Dear Jacobs School community, 

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Howard Wilinsky, MD ’61, a cherished alumnus, donor, emeritus faculty member, volunteer and lifelong friend of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Wilinsky’s connection to UB spanned generations. A legacy alumnus, he was the first in his undergraduate class to be accepted into medical school, granted early admission at the end of his junior year. He completed his internship and psychiatric residency at Edward J. Meyer Memorial Hospital, served in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and returned to UB in 1967 to begin a distinguished career in academic medicine and private practice.

He led the Forensic Psychiatric Service and held a voluntary faculty appointment as assistant clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Even after retiring in 2014, Dr. Wilinsky remained strongly committed to the Jacobs School, contributing to the admissions committee, the Gold Humanism Honor Society and the Medical Emeritus Faculty Society. His dedication to mentoring students and residents enriched our community and helped shape the next generation of compassionate physicians.

Dr. Wilinsky was also a committed humanitarian. He volunteered with the Human Rights Initiative, assisting in the screening of refugees seeking asylum, an extension of his belief in medicine’s role in advocating for justice and human dignity.

Dr. Wilinsky was a generous supporter of our mission to transform the health of Western New York and beyond through education, research and community partnership. He held a strong conviction in the power of medicine to serve and uplift. His commitment to advancing knowledge and improving lives was evident in his efforts to bring world-renowned speakers — including leaders in groundbreaking scientific discovery — to the Jacobs School.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Shirley, and their family during this difficult time. Dr. Wilinsky’s legacy is one of service, generosity and enduring impact. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Warmly,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Vice President for Health Sciences
President and CEO, UBMD Physicians' Group