In Memoriam: Philip Herzog, MD ( 1947 - July 28, 2024)
Philip Franklin Herzog (1947 - 2024) spent his career as a pediatric oncologist at Group Health Cooperative (GHC). His work as a physician, and specifically, a pediatric cancer doctor, was integral to his identity. During his time at GHC, Philip worked tirelessly to assure that the pediatric oncology unit was as stellar as anywhere in Washington, including Children’s Hospital. His efforts to stay abreast of the latest oncology research and assure that GHC could provide the best evidence-based treatment was the focus of his career.
A graduate of Ridgefield High School Class of ‘64, Bates College ‘68 and New York Medical College ‘73, Philip was born on Central Park West into a Jewish family and spent his childhood and adolescence in Connecticut. Medical residency brought him and his wife, Phyllis Rubenstein, to Los Angeles and eventually to Seattle in 1979 where they raised their two children. That relationship lasted 30 years before they separated. In 2000, Philip married Cam Nguyen and joined with her two children who he helped raise.
In 2016, Philip and Cam retired to Medellin, Colombia. They built a community of expats, and traveled the world extensively. He lived his last years to the fullest, playing tennis, feeding the hummingbirds on his terrace, walking the Avenue every Sunday, and spending many shabbats with friends.
In 2023, Philip was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Despite that, he biked through Europe before starting his treatment. His health worsened recently and, thanks to his background in oncology, he was able to be at peace with the diagnosis and expected outcome.
For much of his life, Philip was intensely focused on the areas that made up his sense of self - his work, his intellectual pursuits, his tennis game, and his garden. As he aged and in retirement, Philip settled more into the role of observer and admirer of others - both in his social and familial life and via experts in the areas of health, politics, and technology. Phillip’s impact can be felt throughout the Pacific Northwest through his significant medical career and as a committed member of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue.
A proud father and grandfather, Phillip lives on through his son, Jonathan (47), daughter-in-law Beth, and their two children, Elijah (7) and Maya (5), his daughter, Norah (43), son-in-law Ben, and their two children, Mira (11) and Phoebe (8). Philip is also survived by his stepchildren Amy (32) and her sister Amanda (37) mother to Lucca (7) and Cosimo (4).
Seattle Times Obituary can be found here
Condolences may be sent to:
Cam Herzog
Via email at: mylotusseed1@gmail.com
Donations in memory of Philip Herzog may be sent to Clinica Vida’s foundation in Colombia, who uses the funds to help cancer patients in need of financial assistance:
Clinica Vida
