Remembering a Pillar of Our University Community, Dr. Mitchell Forman
Dr. Mitchell D. Forman, DO, FACR, FACOI, MACP, FRCP was the founding dean of Touro University Nevada’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. We are deeply saddened at the passing of a man whose impact reached far beyond his years. His dedication, wisdom, and quiet generosity shaped not only this university, but the countless students who walked its halls because of him.
In 2004 he opened The College of Osteopathic Medicine at Touro Nevada and welcomed the first medical students of Southern Nevada to the brand-new university. Recognized across the osteopathic community for his extensive clinical, academic, and administrative expertise, Dr. Forman was invited to lead the establishment of the school. He devoted 14 years to Touro University Nevada, transforming students’ lives, inspiring faculty, and leaving a lasting legacy on healthcare in Nevada.
He deeply believed in Touro’s mission, took pride in its achievements, and worked tirelessly to improve health outcomes for Nevada.
In a previous interview he shared, “I helped grow TUNCOM, adding more graduate medical education opportunities in Nevada. My dean’s position influenced the careers of numerous students and helped create new osteopathic residency programs in Nevada.”
His achievements outside of Touro Nevada are as endless as the man who gave so much of his time to support his student and patients. Some of his notable accomplishments:
- American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) 2008 Physician of the Year
- First-ever physician from Nevada to be awarded a Mastership in the American College of Physicians
- Fellow in the Royal College of Physicians-London
- President of the Clark County Medical Society twice
- President of the Nevada State Medical Association
- Established a Fellowship in Rheumatology at the UNLV School of Medicine, and
- Created and supported the Allegro Guitar Society at UNLV
Most recently he was selected by his colleagues as 2025 Top Doctor of Rheumatology in Southern Nevada.
Dr. Michael Harter who worked closely with Dr. Forman at Touro Nevada shared, “he established an environment of family that was unlike most academic institutions. We were a brand-new university, and he wanted to make sure that the students felt as if they were part of a family.”
That sense of family still thrives today, 21 years later, continuing to inspire countless memories, milestones, and miracles. We are beyond grateful for the innumerable contributions by Dr. Forman, and we hope you take heart to know you are always part of the Touro family.
Below are messages and thoughts shared by those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him:
"I had the great pleasure of knowing Mitchell Forman, having worked with him from the early days of Touro University Nevada. I cannot think of anyone with a warmer handshake. When you met Mitchell, you always felt that he was genuinely glad to see you.
If you knew him, you knew that he loved life. He had a passion for good food, good music, and was always ready for a good joke. He was kind, generous, and always willing to help however he could.
What he loved most was being a physician. Anyone under his care was lucky to have one of the most thorough, knowledgeable, and dedicated physicians. He truly set the standard.
I count myself lucky to have known Mitch as a colleague, a role model, and a friend. He will be dearly missed."
Emmett R. Findlay
College of Osteopathic Medicine
"I know he was a renowned physician and a person of stature.
He is known for his wit and wisdom.
He wrote articles and took pictures of crystals.
He served on committees and working groups.
He gave counsel and advice. He was a consummate teacher and professor.
He was sensitive and hilarious.
He saw talent and expected results.
He gave more than he got.
He was my friend.
I call him Mitch.
I know that I will see him again."
Joe Hardy, MD
"Dr. Mitchell Forman and I met for the first time outside the doors of a construction site at 874 American Pacific Drive on March 1, 2004. For both of us, it was our first day on the job. I introduced myself as one of his new faculty members and he insisted that we walk through the doors together to start our time at Touro University Nevada. This was characteristic of Dr. Forman’s leadership and style. He believed in walking together – though sometimes that pathway was fraught with obstacles and stumbles.
His first and primary focus was on students and student success. In my many disagreements with Dr. Forman over the years, many of which were intense, I never lost respect for his shining character and dedication to his work and his passions. If there is anything I can say about him, it is that he was all heart. Without Dr. Forman, Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine would not be what it is now. Without Dr. Forman, I would not be as successful as I am now. All of us who were at Touro with him owe him a debt of gratitude and respect. Rest in peace."
Terence Ma
Founding Director of Anatomy & Inaugural Chief Information Officer at Touro University Nevada
"Mitchell was a great physician and dean and an even better person and friend. I have so many good memories of working alongside Mitchell. He will be greatly missed!"
Terrence Miller
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
