TopVet: Howard Tucker

The world’s oldest practicing doctor, a Navy veteran, will celebrate his 103rd birthday next week. Dr. Howard Tucker was born in Cleveland, OH on July 10, 1922. He served from 1944 to 1945 during World War II while at medical school and was the chief neurologist for the Atlantic fleet during the Korean War. He’s been practicing medicine since 1947 and was the 2021 recipient of Guinness World Records’ title of “Oldest Practicing Physician.”

“I almost became a pilot because I met the physical requirements, but when they told me that from 5’6 to 6’ feet are in sea planes and one-to-one combat, I thought better,” he said in an interview on Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.

“I was made chief of neurology for the Atlantic fleet. So, it was like a training service. I was doing clinical rounds, attending conferences, learning from professors at Temple (University), Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson Research University) and the University of Pennsylvania. I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” he said in Medical Economics. 

The veteran received his undergraduate degree from Ohio State in 1944 and his medical doctorate in 1947. He interned and did his residency in Cleveland hospitals and earned a fellowship at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic from 1949 to 1951. Dr. Tucker then completed a neurology residency at the Neurological Institute of New York from 1951 to 1953. Later, in 1989 at the age of 67, he attended Cleveland State University College of Law and passed the Ohio State Bar exam while still working as a neurologist.

A documentary titled “What's Next?” detailing Tucker's life was released in April 2024. It was produced by his grandson, Austin, and recently won a Webby Award (pictured, above). He is also the oldest to win this award. 

"It chronicles a year in his life as he confronts aging and continues to be a lifelong learner and take on medicine at his age," Austin shared with ABC Television, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic where he took care of patients against his family’s wishes. The film became instantly popular on social media.

“Well, I had to work,” the centenarian said. “I put on a mask. The hospital didn’t tell me to stay home. They said everyone should come to work. In medicine we have a responsibility. If you take it seriously, you follow through.” He did contract COVID but survived, of course.

“I think my grandfather’s message is just one of inspiration, continuing to pursue your passion at any age,” Austin said. 

He’s practiced medicine for more than 75 years.

“The burnout didn’t come because I carry an enthusiasm for medicine with me.” His hobbies include snowshoeing, reading, and doing two miles at a time on the treadmill.

Dr. Tucker and his wife, Sarah “Sue” Siegel, married in 1957. As of 2023, 89-year-old Siegel continued to practice medicine as a psychoanalyst. The couple have four children, three of whom are lawyers and one who is a doctor, and 10 grandchildren. 

When he was born in 1922, the average life expectancy in the U.S. was 58 years old for men, and 61 years old for women. In addition to great genes - his father lived to be 96 - he told AARP his tips for a long life include not smoking, eating healthy foods with only occasional treats in moderation, getting plenty of exercise, avoiding hatred, and procrastinating retirement. 

“Retirement is the enemy of longevity.”