Dr. Gerald Deas, a physician, patient advocate, journalist, and longtime contributor to the Amsterdam News, died of natural causes on Jan. 18 at age 94. His family confirmed his passing to SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where Deas practiced medicine for more than 50 years. He was known for battling major companies, advocating for public health, and reporting about health and wellness. Gerald Deas was a gifted physician, educator, and public health advocate whose impact reached far beyond our campus and into communities across New York City. A proud Downstate alumnus, he believed deeply that medicine should be clear, compassionate, and accessible to all,” said SUNY Downstate Medical Center president Dr. Wayne J. Riley.