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Dr. Nisar Quraishi dies from the coronavirus at 74
Dr. Nisar Quraishi, who practiced internal medicine in Tribeca starting in 1976 — first at Independence Plaza then at 303 Greenwich — and not only saw thousands of patients here, but those patients’ children as well, died on Saturday from the coronavirus. He was 74.
“He was a wonderful wonderful man — I am truly heartbroken,” said Jeff Tabak, whose real estate firm is on Reade. “We had so many layers. He was my doctor, we were on the condo board together, he was my client, and on top of that we were friends. This was a tough one.”
His practice, Tribeca Medical Center, was for decades in the space that is now Downtown Yogurt; he bought the office when the building was constructed in 1987 and only moved recently, in 2014, to 111 Broadway, in the offices run by NYU Langone, with which he was affiliated.
Dr. Quraishi lived in New Jersey with his wife and the couple raised their two sons there — one of whom, Abid, practiced with him for several years. “If you didn’t see the father, you saw the son,” said Jeff. He was still practicing and seeing patients as recently as three weeks ago when he contracted the virus.
He received his medical degree from the University of Dacca in Pakistan in 1969 and held a faculty appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College for over 15 years. He was most recently a clinical assistant professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Quraishi was also appointed as a civil surgeon for the Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
“He was intelligent, but also level headed and always calm, kind and compassionate,” said Jeff, who last saw him in January. “When he came into my office, I got up from my desk and walked over to him and hugged him. I am not sure why. He was a bit surprised, but I am so glad I did.”
The family has requested that any donations be made to the Albaseerah International Institute, an Islamic educational organization in Plainfield, NJ.
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We are saddened to learn this news about Dr. Quraishi, who helped so many over the years in his Tribeca medical office. Our deepest condolences to his family. – The Downtown Yogurt Team
He was my doctor for over 15 years– went to his office following a friend to his appointment. I ask the doctor could I get a tune up and a oil change too. He gave me a complete physical. I saw doc in January for checkup at NYU— I was to schedule online visit with him for may as we’ve done for years– I’m at a real loss. God is Greater for sure!
This is so sad. We saw both father and son for many years. Condolences to his family.
I am very sorry to hear about this. I had an appointment with Dr. Q scheduled for next month at NYU Lang. He had been my GP since we moved to NYC in 2000. Someone from the office called last week to reschedule the appointment with another Dr. I had hoped that he was busy helping those struck with COV-19.
My favorite memory was at one appointment Dr. Q asked me if I had been working out. My weight was up. I replied that I had been. He asked what sort of workouts. I told him that I’d been swimming. He said in deadpan delivery, “do you just stand in the pool, or do you actually swim? “
I will miss Dr. Quraishi.
That’s an awesome story. Thanks for sharing that.
He had that David Letterman style of humor while remaining professional. You could talk to him, he listened & could deliver those deadpan, but also always positive, replies. He motivated me to get fit one year. I almost felt like I was trying to impress my father by coming back for an annual check-up fit & healthy. Slap on the back with a “keep it up” goes further than we imagine
Dr. Quraishi was a really nice man and also he was funny. Many years ago i went to see him and when asked to step on the scale, i stood on it and was astonished to see a number i couldn’t believe was my weight. I was baffled and asked if the scale was malfunctioning and he said “theres nothing wrong with the scale” LOL (ive since lost the extra weight through diet and exercise). We both had a good chuckle when he said that. I’m very sorry to hear of his passing, He had so many patients who really appreciate him and will remember him. My condolences to his family.
Dr Quraishi was my local Internal Medicine physician from 2008-2013. Being healthy, I saw him infrequently. While I worked in health care and needed titers he and his son were my go-to for certifying my health credentials for access to Northeast hospital Operating Rooms.
He was kind, old school, sharp, caring and had a good sense of humor. His son, as well. My condolences for all his family. May he Rest In Peace.
Lastly, I would just say, that his office at 303 Greenwich, would never meet the criteria for social distancing required during COVID19. Our neighborhood offices need more space.
In the nearly 30 years he treated me, Dr. Quraishi was always caring, reliable, funny, and thoughtful. I will miss him.
terrible news
Dr.Quraishi was my Doctor for over 30 years. He had that deadpan humour. When I gained a little weight I asked him what should I do? In his deadpan way he said ” What goes in here ( pointing to his mouth) comes out here ( pointing to his body) Don’t eat as much!!!
He was so caring! I will miss him tremendously :-(
This is heartbreaking- Dr. Quraishi had been my doctor for at least the last 15 years, first in his office on Greenwich Street, then on Broadway when he joined NYULangone- only ending when he stopped taking my insurance in the middle of last year. I will remember him for his calm demeanor, and his old fashioned, paternal way of looking at things. He was a kind, compassionate man, and my thoughts and sympathies go out to his family.
I am heartbroken. My husband and I went to him for over 15 years. He seemed so happy at NYU. I too loved his deadpan humor and old-fashioned ways. Will miss him so much!
What a bummer.. Dr. Quraishi was a lovely man and conscientious humane doctor.
Dr Quraishi was such a lovely man. We worked at NYU Trinity Center together and I have to say he will be dearly missed. We are all saddened by his loss. Although I didn’t work closely with him, he would make an effort to come say hello to me when he had the chance. When I would see him in passing, he always had a warm smile. His his kindness to the staff and his care for the patients will never be forgotten. May God rest your soul.
I am devastated! He was my doctor for over 30 years and during that time I came to respect and love him much. He was also an excellent clinician with an eye for detail. When this miserable virus takes the heroes of this world like Dr. Quraishi I realize how lost we all are. I will miss his welcoming hug and comforting voice. Rest well Dr. Quarishi your task is now complete, you left the world in a much better place than you found it. Rest well my friend!
I am devastated… He was my primary doctor for more than 30 years; I was scheduled to see him on April 9 but informed that all his appointments were cancelled. A caring, gentle, loving, sincere physician. “Verily we belong to God, and verily to Him do we return.” (verse 2:156 of the Qur’an)
He was my doctor for 30 years, too, Lou! Small world. Dr. Quraishi was such a fine human being. I’m still trying to wrap my head around this incredible loss. Be safe and stay well.
I’m heartbroken. Dr Quraishi was my wonderful doctor for 36 years (since I was 12). Blessed to have had his guidance and consistency for as long as I did. Not many people can say they had the same. Dr Quraishi will be so missed by me and my entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. ????
This is tremendously sad. As others have mentioned, Dr. Quraishi was the consummate family practitioner – he inspired confidence and provided guidance and advice that seemed more fatherly than technical. He rode the balance between modern day medicine and old fashioned tried and true approaches (“are you eating enough fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep?”) perfectly. Like others I found myself showing up to annual physicals eager to impress him and show him that I was heeding all of his words of wisdom. He was a caring and dedicated professional who will be greatly missed.
Dr. Quraishi had been my internist for over 25 years. He was a gentle man, soft spoken, and a doctor who was honest & caring.
My son, Adam, had also been a patient. We both are deeply saddened and will remember his being part of the ‘fabric’ of TriBeCa. We will remember his life and concern for his patients and our neighborhood.
Dear Rhona,
I share your sentiments about Dr. Qurashi. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing. He was my primary care doctor from 1976 until I relocated to Florida in 2010.
I hope you and Adam are doing well.
In case you don’t remember me, I was you neighbor in 18 H.
Peace and stay safe.
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you for your reply. Did you know I ran into your son a few months ago, near Lincoln Center. He recognized and stopped me, which was surprising as it had been such a long time….
You were a wonderful neighbor. I’m glad you are well.
Dr. Quraishi was our neighborhood doctor, and as we can see, impacted so many of our lives.
Stay healthy and positive!
All the best…
Rhona
All you realtors and landlords raking in millions of dollars in commissions pony up.
I’m sure Dr. Quraishi would want an independent pharmacy which delivers prescriptions to people including those who need delivery (which Duane Reade and Target’s CVS does not offer) to be kept open.
Think again if you think Duane Greade and CV$$$ will suddenly turn into your friendly neighborhood pharmacies – they will not.
Very sad and bad news. The doc was a good guy. Always relaxed and calm; he made me feel comfortable. He was my doctor for more than 30 years. I recently saw him and asked if he ever planned to retire – he smiled and said not yet, he enjoyed working and caring for his patients. He was very proud of his sons.
He will be missed.
I am heartbroken to hear of Dr. Qurashi’s passing. He was my primary care doctor starting in 1976 until I relocated to Florida in 2010. He was always available in my time of need. Dr. Qurashi
was a compassionate and gentle doctor. He always took the time to listen, encourage and provide moral support. And yes, had a great sense of humor.
My condolences and prayers for him family.
I am saddened to hear that my long time physician Dr. Nisar Quraishi of NYU Langone passed away from the Corona Virus. Sometimes it takes a death like this to warn us quickly of the grim reality: that our health cannot be taken for granted during this crisis. Even the best doctors, like Nisar, have little chance of fighting off this virus once it takes hold in the lungs.
My condolences go out to his many friends,patients,and family.who under his care live on today.We should remember this remarkable individual, with lasting tribute, and the contributions he gave to medical science and the legacy he left for us all.
He will be sorely missed. A great caring man and a friend. His charitable works were so numerous but he never spoke of them.
He was my doctor from when he first moved to IPN but when he moved to 111 Broadway, I had to stop seeing him only because the steps aren’t made for walkers. I still kept in touch with him because we were friends. We always laughed a lot over the fact that I was taking a “youth” medicine from England. He would always introduce me saying “she’s getting younger now – almost a baby”. I will miss him so much. Condolences to the family.
Very sad news. He and his son Abid were my doctors until they moved from the neighborhood. Condolences to his family.
My wife Debora and I are so shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Quraishi’s passing from the Covid-19 virus. He treated us, our children, and my sister-in-law for decades. He was a knowledgeable, patient, and concerned physician and we always felt secure in his care. He would go out of his way to help, and was always there when we needed letters for travel documents. He is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace, dear Dr. Quraishi.
I am sorry to hear this news. He was a beloved doctor and overall nice person. May he RIP. To much heartache and sadness.
Dr. Quraishi was an incredible person. I will miss him so very much. My family and I saw him for more than 30 years and he was always so wonderful to us. I emailed him a few weeks ago to thank him for his good care and compassion, and to wish him well during this crisis. I just don’t know how to make sense of this. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and his sons.
Heartbreaking news. I am crying. My husband and I both saw Dr. Quraishi for over 10 yrs He was so lovely- calm, warm, funny with such a gracious smile. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Rest In Peace Dr. Quraishi.
I am showing symptoms of Covid-19. I scheduled my virtual urgent care because Dr. Quershi’s appointment Calandra was not not available . While I am waiting my wife told me the sad news. Dr. Qurashi was my doctor for 30 years from Jersey City, to Tribeca to 111 Broadway. I stayed with him for one reason. I would get cured of all the symptoms in 24 hours after taking his proscribed medication. I will miss you Dr.Qurashi. Someone just as caring and gentle made me feel better about my Symptoms and told me this will not go away in 24 hours because we don’t have a medication for your symptoms. Just a test. In 30 years, my wishful thinking, if he were here I would be ok tomorrow. May God give you the highest level in Haven. Good bye friend.
I am very sad about Dr. Quraishi’s death. I met him many years ago. When we met, he shook my hand. That convinced me to ask him to be my primary care physician. That gesture showed me that he cared about his patients and wanted to know them. He was a kind man. I am grieved, not only by his death, but that it happened in such a cruel way. He touched people. He shook their hands. Maybe that’s how he contracted the coronavirus that killed him. I would like to believe that he’s able to know that many people appreciate his years of service as a doctor and thank him.
Very sad to hear about Dr. Quraishi. He was my family doctor until he moved from his Greenwich street office. I liked and trusted him very much. May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family and friends.
I am gutted. I loved him with all my heart.
Andrea
I’m deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Quraishi’s untimely passing. I’ve been seeing him once a year for my annual check-up for 30 years, most recently a mere 6 weeks ago. He was an excellent doctor and an even better human being, compassionate and always calming. May he rest In peace.
You have all captured how wonderful our dear Dr. Quraishi was. My entire family saw him for 30 years also, and the loss is irreplaceable. I loved how he cherished his wife, sons, and grandchildren, and shared with us life’s important family lessons, while magically sending us off more healthy than when we walked into his office. He was so good to the community, taking care of so many of us in Tribeca in this humble, and, yes, funny, fun and caring way. What will we do without him? I am heartbroken. To his family, we send our deepest condolences and want you to know how much Tribeca loved him and how proud he was of his entire family.
Dr Quraishi has been my doctor for 36 years. He always asked about my children when I went for a checkup. As a matter of fact he told me I was pregnant with my second son. I was always comfortable with him and he had a good sense of humor. He listened and reassured me when things were serious. He always hugged me before I left his office. I am so sad and I will miss him dearly.
Dr. Q was my doctor since 1978. I am heartbreaking as well as my family who all new and loved him.
I remember he had a collection of elephants in his office. Early on there weren’t as many but I asked him “ So you collect elephant figurines?”
He said no. He told me how he had two elephant figurines prominently behind him on the shelf that he had received as gifts in a patient brought one thinking he collected them. Little by little more and more people would bring them as gifts patients especially. He didn’t have the heart to tell them he doesn’t collect them. So he had an office filled with them. So of course after he told me the story of not even being interested in them I brought one every time I came practically lol! I miss his voice . Heartbroken
He was my doctor basically my entire life. He was wonderful and I sent many friends to him. He always used to hug me when he saw me . It was a level of care that is so lacking nowadays. I always felt confident in his diagnosis. He was old school.
Very painful loss to the medical field. He was one of the best. RIP ????
Dr. Quraishi was my family’s internist for 28 years. He was a wonderful man and a treasure. He was so proud of both of his sons. He encouraged me on so many levels…a real mensch. He will be missed. Sending condolences to his family.
Dr. Quraishi was our family’s physician for more than twenty years until we retired to Florida.He talked with other doctors to explain to them what they needed to do for our family because he was wise and knew us like the “old time” doctor he was. We trusted him! We shared stories about our precious families. He made the world a better place. He made footprints in the sands of time. He will be missed. Please accept our condolences. RIP.
Dr. Q was a wonderful, caring, funny, smart, all in one. He was my Dr. for over thirty years from Greenwich St. where I worked at DC37. I saw him February of this year because I was feeling under the weather and he said to me that the Bad News was Nothing is wrong with you. We laughed. He will be missed
I’ve read all the wonderful comments that his patients and friends wrote. Every one I could mimic in describing Dr. Nisar Quraishi. I lived across the street from his Tribeca office and saw him almost from the day he opened. His reputation flew throughout the neighborhood.
When he left for Langone I continued seeing him even though I had moved to Philadelphia. On our first meeting there he gave me a hug, a real hug. It meant so much to me. After his son, Dr. Abid Quraishi joined him I was so delighted that he was so much like his father. I wrote Dr. Quraishi that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. He never mentioned the note but one day as he was checking my file the blue envelope fell out onto the floor.
I adored him and know that I’ll never find anyone who could come close to the warm, compassionate person as Dr. Nisar A. Quraishi.????
After reading all the comments written by patients and friends, I know I’m not alone with my memories of Dr. Nisar Quraishi. My heart is broken. Shortly after Dr. Quraishi opened his Tribeca office word went round the neighborhood about what an excellent doctor he was. That was over 30 years ago and after he closed his downtown office and I moved to Philadelphia, I continued to see him at NYU Langone. On my first visit just as I was leaving he gave me a hug, a real hug. When his son Dr. Abid Quraishi joined him I wrote a letter telling Dr. Q that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. He often let me know how both his sons were doing. He never mentioned it, but on one visit not too long ago while he was checking something in my file the blue envelope I sent him slipped onto the floor. He smiled broadly without saying a word. Selfishly speaking, I don’t exactly know what to do. No one can replace a man like Dr. Quraishi.
I was saddened to learn of Dr. Quraishi’s passing. He’s been my primary care physician since I moved to Tribeca in 1978. My deepest condolences to his family.
My dad had died in 1985 and Dr. Quraishi came to our house and gave my mom a check for $500. That was a lot of money to give in 1985. He was the only doctor I went to and I trusted. I once brought up what he had done for my family and he calmly responded: “I didn’t do anything.. let’s get you on the scale.”
Over time, we had begun talking about our own families. He was extremely proud of his children. He loved his grandchildren. He loved his life. So many accomplishments, but he never discussed any of that.
Still in shock as I’m writing this… he’s been my doctor for over 26 years. “Don’t worry of people make fun of you for being skinny. Skinny is good. Lesser medical issues to deal with. But you have to exercise. Run when you leave the office.”
I had a follow-up scheduled with him for May 20, after Ramadan, where we would’ve definitely asked each other about Eid and family. He definitely would’ve been in my case about my belly sticking out, and he would’ve told me to run when I leave the office.
Rest well Doctor. Few men have been a positive influence in my life – You are definitely one of them.
He was my Doctor for decades when he was the only Doctor in Tribeca. I followed him to the Trinity building. Years ago when I was ill, he was quick to diagnose my condition as bronchitis. I was so comforted in knowing what was wrong and to have a treatment plan. After that, I always took my flu shot.
I am shocked and saddened. He was always fit and in excellent health. His face always shone with healthy skin. He was the last person I imagined would be struck down by this virus. He was beloved by his patients. That is a tremendous legacy for his family to cherish.
I am truly shocked and saddened to come across this new today. Dr. Qurashi was my Doctor for over 20 years. I felt like he was a party of family. He was always kind, generous and patient.
My condolences and prayers go out to his family. May his soul rest in peace.
I feel like I have been hit with a baseball bat. We have lost a great person. My condolences to his family. I will miss him .
We felt very sad to listen to the news of his death. He was the son in law of our village Gurra Qureshian. He is proud of our country. We are proud of him. We are doing condolence to his family on the behalf of our whole village and his paternal cousin Muhammad Mukhtar Qureshi of Gumti. May Allah rest him in peace.
A beautiful soul has gone to rest RIP
Dr. Quraishi was my colleague, friend and physician for 50 years .He was the kindest man I ever knew.
Dr. Kwit
What fine tributes for such a wonderful doctor! My mother moved to Tribeca in 1976 and Dr Quraishi quickly became the family doctor. He lovingly cared for my mother until her death in 1991
and I have been his patient for over 40 years. He was so smart, so calm, so thorough and, yes, so funny. When he first moved to NYU Langone Trinity I noted that his new business card said clinical assistant professor. “Assistant Professor,” I exclaimed, “You should be the Dean of NYU.” He loved that story and often repeated it to colleagues in my presence. He also loved his work
and no frightening disease was going to keep him from doing it.
We are all devastated but also proud to have known him. Condolences to his family and friends. You are peaceful in God’s hands now, Dr. Q.
Such an outstanding doctor and friend. I was a patient of Dr Quraishi’s for 20 years or so. I’m sure it took me the first five years to realize what a great sense of humor he had, like so many others have commented, a dry wit indeed. He really gave me the business every time I put on a few pounds. But also he was insightful and thoughtful as a physician and a kind and caring man. So proud of the accomplishments of his sons and his grandchildren, it was always wonderful to catch up with him. I think of him very fondly, me his memory be a blessing.
I met Dr Quraishi in 1992 during one of the medical grand rounds at NY Downtown Hospital. I had just joined the hospital as a staff Endocrinologist. He impressed me as a knowledgeable, caring and compassionate individual. Over the years, I saw many of his pts in consultation and I got to know him as a consummate physician. His passing will be truly missed and I know that a void has been created with his passing. My condolences to his family, friends and pts. I will truly miss him.