Dr. Max Gomez, Cause of Death: a Stalwart in Health Journalism, Passes Away at 72.

Dr. Max Gomez, the esteemed medical correspondent and health editor for CBS New York, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023, following an extended illness. He was 72 years old.

Dr. Gomez was a highly regarded and trustworthy figure in the realm of health and science journalism, covering a wide array of topics from the COVID-19 pandemic to groundbreaking advancements in medical research and technology. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was known for his empathy and compassion, offering valuable advice and expertise to countless individuals.

Born in Cuba, Dr. Gomez relocated to Miami with his family during his childhood. He graduated cum laude from Princeton University and earned his Ph.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. His remarkable journey also saw him as a semifinalist for the NASA Journalist In Space program in 1986.

His career commenced as a medical reporter and health editor for WCBS-TV in New York in 1994, and he later returned as the chief medical correspondent in 2007. His career spanned other notable roles with WNBC-TV, WNEW-TV, and KYW-TV in Philadelphia.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gomez garnered numerous accolades, including multiple New York Emmy Awards, an Excellence in a Time of Crisis Award from the New York City Health Department following the events of 9/11, and national television journalism awards from The Marfan Foundation and the Leukemia Society of America.

He also co-authored three books on health and science and served on the national board of directors for the American Heart Association, the Princeton Alumni Weekly, and the Partnership for Afterschool Education. His commitment to mentoring extended to undergraduate journalism and medical students, as well as physicians interested in medical journalism.

In 2018, Dr. Gomez received a prostate cancer diagnosis and underwent surgery for its removal. He openly shared his journey with his viewers and advocated for regular screenings for the disease.

Dr. Gomez continued his work as a medical correspondent until his health began to decline in 2023. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and close friends.

Dr. Gomez is survived by his wife, Dr. Denise Calella-Gomez, a pediatrician; his son, Max Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Jessica; his grandson, Max III; his sister, Maria; his brother-in-law, Jorge; his niece, Cristina; and his nephew, Jorge Jr.

He was deeply cherished and admired by his colleagues at CBS New York, who paid heartfelt tributes to him both on air and online.

“His intelligence, exceeded only by his caring heart,” tweeted CBS 2 reporter Tony Aiello.

Anchor Chris Wragge said, “He was one of the signature pieces of this place as I like to call him.”

Anchor Kristine Johnson added, “He was in tune with the viewer. In this business, you have to have a connection. If there’s no connection, then there’s no message. Dr. Max mastered that.”

Dr. Gomez’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City at 10 a.m.

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