It is with great sadness that we share that Harold R. "Hal" Silberman, MD, professor emeritus of medicine, died Sept. 8, 2026, at the age of 95.
Dr. Silberman dedicated more than seven decades to the practice of medicine and nearly his entire professional career to Duke.
After graduating from Harvard University, earning his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completing advanced training at the National Institutes of Health, he returned to Duke, where he completed his residency, served as chief resident under Dr. Eugene A. Stead Jr., completed fellowship training in hematology-oncology and joined the faculty in 1962. He remained at Duke throughout his distinguished career, rising to professor of medicine before retiring in 1996 as professor emeritus.
A consummate clinician, Dr. Silberman was widely respected for his diagnostic expertise and was frequently sought for consultation on complex cases. His contributions extended across hematology-oncology, internal medicine, emergency medicine and senior care. Early in his career, he played a key role in Duke research that helped demonstrate the effectiveness of allopurinol in the treatment of gout. He also advanced the field of hematology through his leadership in clinical trials and his work with the Southeastern Cancer Cooperative Group, contributing to significant publications, particularly in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Dr. Silberman's impact as an educator was equally profound. Generations of Duke medical students, residents and fellows benefited from his exceptional teaching, intellectual rigor and commitment to excellence. He received the Golden Apple Award from medical students and was twice honored with the Eugene A. Stead Jr. Housestaff Teaching Award. Many Duke hematologists and oncologists credit Dr. Silberman as a mentor, teacher and role model whose influence shaped their careers and helped define the culture of clinical excellence that continues today.
Beyond his work in hematology-oncology, Dr. Silberman served the broader Duke community as medical director of the Duke Emergency Department from 1983 to 1990 and as medical director of Durham County Emergency Medical Services. His leadership, service and dedication to patients touched countless lives throughout Durham and beyond.
Those who knew Dr. Silberman remember not only his remarkable professional accomplishments, but also his quick wit, generosity, humility and devotion to family. He leaves behind a lasting legacy as a clinician, educator, mentor and colleague. We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Silberman's family, friends, former trainees and colleagues.