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Remembering the Late Dr. John Herbert ‘Herb’ Niles Jr.

October 7, 2026

Dr. John Herbert Niles Jr. , an 88-year-old obstetrician and Army physician, passed away on September 26th after serving the Washington, D.C. medical community for over five decades. Throughout his distinguished career, he operated a private practice treating more than one thousand women and girls across the District, Maryland, and Virginia, while breaking barriers as the first African American chief of staff at Columbia Hospital for Women in 1993.

Who is affected

  • Dr. Niles' wife, Amy Niles
  • His seven children: John Herbert III, Mark, Kahlida, Jonnell, Lyndsay, Hannah, and Justin
  • His seven grandchildren: Grayce, Maxwell, Hilliard, Peck, Knox, Bellamy, and Samara
  • More than one thousand former patients (women and girls) across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
  • The greater Washington, D.C. medical community
  • Future low-income students from the Washington metropolitan area who will benefit from the scholarship fund

What action is being taken

  • Dr. Niles' family is partnering with Allegheny College on the recently established John Herbert Niles, Jr., M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund to provide tuition support for low-income students from the Washington metropolitan area

Why it matters

  • Dr. Niles' death represents the loss of a pioneering physician who broke racial barriers in medicine and dedicated his life to women's healthcare and educational opportunity. His half-century of service treating over a thousand patients and his role as the first African American chief of staff at Columbia Hospital for Women in 1993 marked significant achievements in diversifying medical leadership. His commitment to creating educational opportunities through scholarships and mentorship ensures his legacy will continue to impact future generations, particularly low-income students who might otherwise lack access to higher education.

What's next

  • A memorial service celebrating Dr. Niles' life will take place at Dunbarton Chapel (2900 Van Ness St NW, Washington, DC) on Saturday, October 10, with visitation at 11 a.m. and the service at 11:30 a.m.
  • The John Herbert Niles, Jr., M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide ongoing tuition support for low-income students from the Washington metropolitan area

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer