NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Dr Max Gomez, the renowned medical correspondent for CBS New York, has sadly died at the age of 72 after a long illness.

"Dr Gomez was deeply loved and respected in our newsroom, by medical professionals he worked with, patients who shared their stories with him and our viewers," CBS News wrote in a statement on Sunday, September 3.

Who was Dr Max Gomez?

Dr Max Gomez was a trusted figure for advice during the pandemic, and his work spanned many years with WCBS-TV, where he served as a medical reporter and health editor from 1994 to 1997 and later returned as the chief medical correspondent in June 2007.

Dr. Gomez, known for his medical reporting, had a diverse career. He co-wrote health and science books, served on advisory boards, and was on the national board of directors for the American Heart Association.

He graduated with distinction from Princeton University and earned a PhD from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He's remembered as a knowledgeable conversationalist and trusted friend by CBS News staff.

He mentored journalism and medical students. Born in Cuba, he moved to Miami with his family. Dr Gomez is survived by his children, Max Gomez IV and Katie Gomez.

Dr. Max Gomez's awards

Gomez, often referred to as Dr Max, received numerous accolades and recognitions throughout his illustrious career.

He was a recipient of the New York Emmy Awards and Philadelphia Emmys, and he even received a UPI honor for Best Documentary, particularly for his impactful report on AIDS.

Additionally, he was honored with an Excellence in a Time of Crisis Award from the NYC Health Department for his dedicated reporting on health issues in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11.

"He was our in-house consultant for whatever ailed us, eager to help, genuinely concerned and never thought twice about going the extra mile," CBS' tribute read.

"His academic track was in health and science, but his depth of medical knowledge and easy, relatable style combined to develop his strong broadcast presence."

"There was always great depth to Dr Gomez's medical reporting, but never more so than when he candidly shared a number of his own medical challenges with his TV family. He was also a steady voice of reason during the COVID-19 pandemic," the tribute read.

He also worked for Fox 5 New York and NBC 4 New York during his lengthy career. "He was one of the signature pieces of this place as I like to call him," CBS anchor Chris Wragge said in a tribute posted on YouTube.

"Certain places have foundational pieces – Dr. Max was just one of those guys that every time you saw him you immediately identified him not only as Dr. Max but CBS 2's Dr. Max."

"He was in tune with the viewer. In this business, you have to have a connection. If there's no connection, then there's no message. Dr. Max mastered that," anchor Kristine Johnson said in the tribute.