Dr. Nicolaos E. Madias, distinguished physician, educator, and researcher, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024 at the age of 80 from complications of acute myeloid leukemia. Dr. Madias was an esteemed figure in the medical community, known for his profound contributions to the field of Nephrology and his dedication to medical education.

Dr. Madias was born on the island of Samos, Greece on July 27, 1944. His father, Elias Madias, whose roots stem from Kardamyla on the island of Chios, instilled in him and his brother, Dr. John Madias, the importance of leading a principled life and maintaining a strong work ethic. After scoring first on the Panhellenic entrance exam, Dr. Madias earned his medical degree from the University of Athens School of Medicine and was the recipient of academic scholarships from the State Foundation of Scholarships throughout his medical studies. As a medical student, he authored his first textbook on General Biology (much of it by hand), which was used for years as a reference for Greek medical students. During this time, he met and fell in love with his wife, Dr. Ourania Madias. After completing his military service, they moved to the U.S. for his training in Internal Medicine at Waltham-Weston Medical Center and Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, and a clinical and research fellowship in Nephrology at Tufts-New England Medical Center. Although the initial intention was to return to Greece, they realized they had found a new home in the medical and Greek communities of Boston.  He joined the staff of the Division of Nephrology at Tufts in 1976 and was appointed Chief of the Division in 1982, a position he held until his appointment to Executive Academic Dean at Tufts University School of Medicine in August 1999, where he was also Professor of Medicine since 1988. He subsequently served as Dean ad interim at the School of Medicine. He was forever grateful for the relationships he developed during this period and exceptionally thankful for the generous contributions of Greek-Americans who he felt held his high ideals, including Mr. Michael Jaharis and Mr. George Behrakis. In 2004, Dr. Madias left the School of Medicine to take the role of Chairman in the Department of Medicine at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, which he held till 2015. He remained on staff at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and served as Academic Dean of Tufts University School of Medicine at St. Elizabeth's until his retirement in 2023.

Dr. Madias' research significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of kidney disease, and he is regarded for his investigations into acid-base and electrolyte physiology and pathophysiology, the treatment of hypertensive disorders, and the role of citrate metabolism and its relation to chronic kidney disease. He has served as an Established Investigator of the American Heart Association and a member of the Internal Medicine and Nephrology Boards of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He received funding by the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, and various other foundations. Dr. Madias is the author of over 250 original publications, reviews, and book chapters. He served on numerous scientific societies and editorial boards of professional publications and served as co-editor of the Nephrology Forum of Kidney International, the official journal of the International Society of Nephrology (1982-2005).

Dr. Madias was not only a brilliant clinician and researcher but also a beloved mentor and teacher. He trained countless medical students, residents, and fellows, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields. His ability to inspire and educate was unparalleled, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he touched. He served as Visiting Professor at numerous institutions in the United States and abroad and has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally. He proudly maintained a close bond with the Greek medical community and participated regularly as invited speaker at the scientific meetings of the Hellenic Society of Nephrology and the Hellenic Society of Hypertension. He is the recipient of many honors, including the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Distinguished Career Award from Tufts University School of Medicine. He has received honorary doctorates from the Universities of Athens, Ioannina, Patras, Thessaloniki and Larissa and he was appointed Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens in 2019.

Throughout his life, Dr. Madias maintained a strong affection for Greece and Greek culture and was extraordinarily devoted to the promotion of Hellenism. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Hellenic College of the Holy Cross, he was a member of the Leadership 100, and he received the Freedom Award from the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New Englandin 2022.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Madias was a devoted family man. He cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife Dr. Ourania Madias and his children, Elias Madias and husband Timothy Good, and Dr. Christopher Madias and wife Melissa Madias, and his grandchildren Ourania and Nicolaos, as well as his brother Dr. John Madias and his wife Niki Madias, all of whom brought immense joy to his life. Together with his family, Nick truly embraced life's simple pleasures – playing hallway soccer with his grandchildren, enjoying long walks on Harding's Beach in Chatham, embracing his role as conductor in annual New Years' carols, and cheering on his beloved Boston Celtics.

Dr. Madias' contributions and spirit will live on. His commitment to excellence, his passion for teaching andresearch, and his devotion to Hellenism will continue to influence and inspire future generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to:

The Hellenic College of the Holy Cross, Brookline, MA

https://www.hchc.edu/give/give-online

Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

https://medicine.tufts.edu/giving/how-give

Division of Nephrology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA https://giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/give-now