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Famed pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. James Goodrich dies from coronavirus

31 March 2020 10:55 (UTC +04:00)

Famed pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. James T. Goodrich, who separated conjoined twins, died Monday, APA reports citing NBC News.

Einstein College of Medicine attributed his death to complications associated with COVID-19.

Goodrich was 73 and a Grand View-on-Hudson resident.

A pioneer in his field, Goodrich developed a special method to separate twins conjoined at the skull — employing a multi-stage approach to complete the delicate work.

"Every neurosurgeon in America, maybe around the world, knew who Jim Goodrich is," said Dr. Jeffrey Oppenheim, a neurosurgeon and chair of the Rockland County Board of Health.

In 2004, Goodrich made international headlines when he successfully separated twins Carl and Clarence Aguirre, who had come with their mother from the Philippines seeking help. The 17-hour surgery demanded a 16-member surgical team.