Dr. Nathan Max Simon, psychoanalyst, psychiatrist, professor, and a recognized public health researcher, died on July 4, 2023, at the age of 97. Born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 27, 1926, Dr. Simon treated patients and taught medical students in St. Louis over 60 years.
He attended the University of Delaware before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943 at 17. Following his honorable discharge as a Sergeant, he entered Yale University and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science, and in 1950 with a Master of Public Health. He then attended the Washington University Medical School, graduating in 1955. After medical school, he interned at the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis and was a resident in psychiatry at Yale University for three successive years. Dr. Simon received his psychoanalytic training at the Institute for Psychoanalysis in Chicago.
He worked at and was affiliated with the Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis for 35 years, rising to the position of Clinical Director of the Department of Psychiatry. He eventually established a private practice at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Simon was a long-time educator in St. Louis medical schools. He was the Clinical Professor of Psychiatry (Emeritus) at St. Louis University Medical School for more than twenty years. He also was an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry (Emeritus) at Washington University School of Medicine for more than 20 years. At the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute, he was a Training and Supervisory Analyst on the faculty where he taught for more than 30 years.
Dr. Simon led ground-breaking studies in public health on abortion, heart attack, smoking, and stress on ICU nurses. Dr. Simon also was active in many local and national organizations, including the ACLU, the St. Louis Heart Association, the Jewish Children’s Home of St. Louis, and the American Psychoanalytic Association. Dr. Simon was an avid backpacker, bicyclist, fly fisherman and a published author.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara Simon, sons and their spouses – Benjamin (Edie Brashares), Charles (Melissa), Philip (Christy Hoffman), and David (Ann), sister Naomi Sales, and eight grandchildren, Charles, Ellie, Jake, Jenna, Jeremy, Julia, Katie, and Sophia. For more information, visit the website www.thedorfmanchapel.com. Donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, or charity of your choice.
