In Memory of Daniel B. Caplan, M.D.

Daniel B. Caplan, M.D.  Beloved Cystic Fibrosis Physician.

A note from his Family:

He held residencies at Boston City Hospital, Boston Floating Hospital, and Yale University School of Medicine. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Ft. McPherson during the Vietnam War.

 He went on built his storied career in pediatric gastroenterology at Emory University School of Medicine and Egleston Children’s Hospital. A successful clinical researcher and respected teacher and mentor for many students and colleagues, Dr. C was the consummate physician, always treating his patients and their families with empathy, compassion, skill, and consideration. He touched the lives of his patients, many of whom he could help and make well and some whom he could lead to a peaceful death. And in return, he was embraced as forever part of their families. 

Outside of the countless hours he spent with his patients, he had a rich personal life, filled with many hobbies, interests, and passions. Dan was fun, fun-loving, and full of life. He was an epicurean, who loved wine, food, and restaurants. Atlanta restauranteurs, while devastated by the news of his passing, will finally be able to close on time.

 He was a Braves fanatic, and while he threatened to boycott after their move to Cobb County, he remained a loyal season ticket holder. He loved movies, roses, trash TV (Judge Judy!), books (especially history), and progressive politics. He was well known for his love of turtles, and his house is filled with turtles of all shapes, sizes, and forms, many gifted to him by patients, friends, and family. Dan was, above all, a “mensch,” a prince among men.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Advanced Practice Nurses, Inc. (www.CAPN.org) or Reaching Out Foundation, Inc. (www.reachingoutfoundation.org)

From Susan Burroughs, Founder of Reaching Out Foundation and Patient

Today I lost a very important man in my life. Dr. Daniel Caplan. The most caring compassionate man you could ever meet. He has been my cystic fibrosis Physcian since I moved to Atlanta in 1980. He has saved my life countless number of times. He was a pediatric doctor. I just never graduated from pediatrics!

When I was approached by the lung surgeon that I needed a lung transplant, he was the man I called. I asked him to take off his doctor hat for a moment and advise me as my own Dad would do because I did not have my Dr. Daddy anymore. He hugged me and said “. It wouldn’t hurt for you to be evaluated for lung transplant”. ( of course I had to make that out from his mumbling) ( patients you know what I mean). Thank goodness for his wise words as that was 20 years ago.

He loved the Atlanta Braves, he collected turtles! He could listen to any of his patients lungs blindfolded and tell you who it was. He was kind and loving. He loved wine. He was dedicated beyond measure to his patients. I am positive the man never slept. He has been by my hospital bed at all hours of the day and night. He never missed one of his patients funerals. He loved Camp Wak N Hak when we used to be able to have cystic fibrosis camp.

Today the cystic fibrosis community lost a legend. No one can replace this man and all he did for us. His family has lost their patriarch. Dan Caplan, I love 💕 you. I miss you.