01 Nov Richard Tobey, MD FACEP: A 2024 Unsung Hero
It is with immense honor and admiration that I nominate Dr. Richard Tobey for the 2024 NY ACEP Unsung Hero Award. By the time this recognition is published, Dr. Tobey will have retired after an extraordinary forty-six years of service in medicine, with thirty-six of those years devoted to Emergency Medicine—a remarkable achievement that few can claim. Dr. Tobey exemplifies the very spirit of an unsung hero, making an indelible impact not only within our Emergency Department, but also on a global scale.
Dr. Tobey’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to humanity. From his early volunteer work with the Peace Corps in Chad, Africa, to his medical missions in the Republic of Cameroon during the 1980s, Dr. Tobey’s combination of a heart of gold and nerves of steel has saved countless lives. His influence did not stop there. Upon settling in the Hudson Valley in the 1990s, he continued to make a profound difference, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of our community emergency departments across New York State. Here at Vassar, during the whirlwind of the pandemic and now its aftermath, Dr. Tobey does not hesitate to stand alongside his colleagues on the frontlines. In the face of unprecedented nationwide challenges, he remains a steady, compassionate presence, adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the current times. His dedication to patient care, and calm nature under pressure, serves as a source of strength and inspiration to all who work with him.
Throughout his years of service, Dr. Tobey has also paved the way for future generations of emergency physicians. At Vassar, he continues to share his wisdom and expertise with our young faculty attendings, EM residents, and medical students, with the same passion that has marked his own illustrious career. He leaves behind a legacy of service that is second to none. His presence will be deeply missed by his colleagues, staff, and the countless patients whose lives he has touched.
Recipient Bio:
A graduate of McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Tobey completed internships in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics in Montreal before finding his true calling in Emergency Medicine. He completed his training at Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey, where he became Chief Resident of the Emergency Medicine residency program. Shortly thereafter, he moved to the Hudson Valley, dedicating more than three decades to serving community emergency departments in need, and earning Physician of the Year awards along the way.
Dr. Tobey is richly deserving of this recognition as he embarks on his next chapter. Though he will be missed in the ED, we take comfort in knowing that he will continue to embrace life with his family—perhaps cycling the beautiful trails of the Hudson Valley, a well-deserved pursuit for a man who has given so much.
– Marianna Karounos, DO MS FACEP