Leonard Bachman, 99, a distinguished figure in public health and anesthesiology, passed away on May 24, 2024, at his home in Chevy Chase, Md., after a battle with cancer. Dr. Bachman, whose career spanned over seven decades, was known for his progressive views on medicine and health care, his leadership roles, and his dedication to public service.
Dr. Bachman served as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health under Governor Milton Shapp from 1975 to 1979. During his tenure, he tackled significant public health challenges, including Legionnaires’ disease, Hurricane Agnes, and the swine flu outbreak. He was instrumental in establishing state-funded health care centers and advocated for increased access to health services, emphasizing the public’s role in health policy planning.
In 1979, Dr. Bachman was appointed to the U.S. Public Health Service, where he achieved the rank of rear admiral and oversaw numerous national health programs. His responsibilities included managing PHS hospitals, clinics, medical disaster response teams, and initiatives addressing environmental health and drug addiction. He retired from this role in 1994 but continued to contribute as a medical consultant to the U.S. Marshals Service for more than a decade.
Dr. Bachman’s impact on pediatric anesthesiology was profound. Recruited from Johns Hopkins University in 1955, he served as the chief of anesthesiology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s medical school. At CHOP, he played a key role in developing a pediatric intensive care unit and advanced anesthesiology tools and techniques.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bachman was a vocal advocate for patient rights and public health. He proposed a patients’ bill of rights and supported state taxes on cigarettes and the disclosure of physician salaries. His direct and sometimes critical stance often led to clashes with other doctors and politicians, but his commitment to improving health care never wavered.
Dr. Bachman’s contributions extended beyond his professional roles. He was an active member of numerous professional organizations, served as president of the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists, and taught at several institutions, including George Washington University’s school of medicine. He received numerous accolades, including the 1990 Abigail Geisinger Medal from the Geisinger Health Foundation, a 2004 Robert M. Smith Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a 2018 Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
A lifelong learner with wide-ranging interests, Dr. Bachman was a member of a literary society in college and frequently quoted Shakespeare. He was involved in his community, serving on boards and committees for his synagogues and the Society Hill Civic Association. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he became a trusted medical advisor for friends and neighbors in Maryland.
Dr. Bachman is survived by his family, who remember him as an exceptionally curious and knowledgeable man, always willing to learn from others. His legacy in public health, medicine, and community service will continue to inspire future generations.
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