In Memoriam Abraham Shulman

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Oct 20, 2025

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University mourns the passing of Dr. Abraham Shulman, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Otolaryngology, who died on October 12, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by his family.

A pioneering clinician, researcher, and educator, Dr. Shulman was internationally recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the study and treatment of tinnitus. He founded the first tinnitus clinic on the East Coast, organized the inaugural International Tinnitus Seminar in 1979, and served as founding editor of the International Tinnitus Journal. His 1991 textbook, Tinnitus: Diagnosis and Treatment, established “Tinnitology” as a distinct clinical discipline and remains a foundational reference in the field.

Over his prolific career, Dr. Shulman authored more than 250 scientific articles and book chapters and trained generations of otolaryngologists at SUNY Downstate and Kings County Hospital. His research integrated neuroimaging, audiology, and cognitive neuroscience to expand understanding of auditory disorders and their impact on the brain. Even in his 90s, he continued work on a new edition of his textbook, exploring advances in neuroimmunology, technology, and the physics of sound—work that will be completed by his collaborators and family.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Dr. Shulman earned his undergraduate degree from City College of New York and his medical degree from the University of Bern in Switzerland. He completed his residency in otolaryngology at Kings County Hospital and then served as a lieutenant commander and Chief of Otolaryngology at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital while in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Dr. Shulman’s lifelong dedication to patient care, scientific rigor, and mentorship left an enduring mark on Downstate and on the global medical community. In 2010, he was recognized during Downstate’s 150th anniversary celebration for his contributions to medical education and research in Brooklyn. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Arlene, and their daughter Rachel. He is survived by his daughter Melanie and her husband, Gabor Rona, and grandchildren Julia Feigen and Olivia and Jason Goldring.

Donations may be made in Dr. Shulman’s memory to the New York Academy of Sciences or UJA-Federation of New York.

Dr. Shulman will be remembered for his vision, humanity, and commitment to alleviating human suffering, a legacy that continues to inspire the Downstate community.