James Neifeld, who spent 48 years at the VCU School of Medicine, dies at age 78

By VCU News staff

James P. Neifeld, M.D., former chair of the Department of Surgery, beloved professor, and devoted philanthropist and supporter of Virginia Commonwealth University and its School of Medicine, died on Aug. 30.

Neifeld graduated with his medical degree from the VCU School of Medicine in 1972, where he remained to complete his general surgery residency and fellowship. He joined the Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology faculty as a surgical oncologist in 1978. He remained on faculty for the entirety of his career and in 2003 was appointed chair of the department and the Stuart McGuire Professor until 2013. He retired in 2016.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said he and his wife, Monica, "were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our dear friend Dr. Jim Neifeld."

"Jim was a passionate VCU alum and devoted surgeon, serving our university and patients," Rao said. "His commitment to the highest level of patient care and teaching has shaped the careers and lives of a generation of surgeons and has literally saved lives."

Stephen Kates, M.D., interim dean of the School of Medicine, said, "Dr. Neifeld embraced and embodied our missions of teaching, training and compassionate care" throughout his career at VCU.

"Dr. Neifeld's legacy of service lives on through the generations of residents he trained, and the untold thousands who have benefited from their care," Kates said.

Vigneshwar Kasirajan, M.D., who succeeded Neifeld as the Stuart McGuire Professor and chair of the Department of Surgery, said, to all who knew Neifeld, "he was a dedicated surgeon, educator and VCU Ram. His love and loyalty to all things VCU spread far beyond the clinic as you regularly would find him cheering for the Rams in the stands of the Siegel Center."

"Dr. Neifeld transformed the Department of Surgery through visionary leadership that strengthened its clinical, academic and financial foundation," Kasirajan said. "He modernized billing and coding practices, recruited outstanding faculty and basic science investigators, revitalized divisions and championed excellence in teaching. He was a key leader in the development of the Critical Care Tower with modern operating rooms and ICUs."

Neifeld and his wife, Ramona, established the Herbert S. and Elinor C. Neifeld Scholarship in Medicine in honor of Neifeld's parents, and as passionate supporters of VCU Athletics, they created the Neifeld Family Scholarship for Golf and supported several athletics projects. Neifeld also served on the VCU Health System Board of Directors and on the VCU Athletics Advisory Board.

"Jim and Ramona's generosity have left a lasting mark on VCU, supporting the next generation of healers and student-athletes," Rao said.

The Neifelds received the Edward A. Wayne Medal in 2019 for their extensive service, philanthropy and support for the university and Massey Cancer Center. In addition, Neifeld earned the Presidential Medallion, which is awarded for extraordinary achievement in learning and commitment to the mission of VCU, in 2013.