Robert B. Daroff, MD, FAHS

Dr. Robert Daroff, a pioneering neurologist and a compassionate leader, passed away in 2025 at the age of 88. Born in New York, Dr. Daroff demonstrated remarkable academic achievements from an early age. He earned both his BA and MD from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a prestigious fellowship at Yale University. His dedication to medicine took him to the front lines of the Vietnam War, where he made history as the first neurologist to serve in a combat setting.

After his military service, Dr. Daroff became the Chair of Neurology at the University of Miami, where he also practiced and mentored future neuro-ophthalmologists at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. His distinguished career continued at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic, where he served as Chair of Neurology. Throughout his career, Dr. Daroff was widely recognized for his exceptional clinical expertise in neuro-ophthalmology and headache medicine.

Dr. Daroff was a prolific scholar, publishing hundreds of articles, book chapters, and authoring several influential textbooks. For many years, he served as the editor of Neurology and contributed to the publication committees of numerous medical organizations. He was also the president of the American Neurological Association and played key roles in shaping the field of neurology on a global scale.

A committed leader within the American Headache Society (AHS), Dr. Daroff served as its president from 2002 to 2004 and remained a fixture on the AHS past-presidents board. His contributions extended to the editorial board of Headache from 1980 to 1986, where he influenced the direction of headache research and education. His dedication to teaching and mentoring earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the AHS in 2018.

In addition to his leadership, Dr. Daroff was an outstanding teacher. His generosity of spirit extended to creating educational resources for the field, including the donation of his renowned Eye Movement videos to NOVEL, which have educated countless medical professionals in understanding eye movements.

Dr. Daroff's influence went beyond his academic and professional endeavors. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by headache disorders left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with. He was not only a brilliant clinician and researcher but also a compassionate mentor and a cherished friend.

He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Jane, his sons Charles, Robert Jr., and William, and six grandchildren. Dr. Daroff’s legacy as an educator, mentor, and friend will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.

Blessed be his memory.