Dr. John Herbert “Herb” Niles Jr., a veteran obstetrician, Army physician, and icon in the greater Washington, D.C., medical community, died on Sept. 26, at the age of 88, leaving behind a longtime legacy of uplifting others through his dedication to women’s health and education.
A graduate of Allegheny College and Howard University College of Medicine, Dr. Niles ran a private practice for half a century of private practice, treating more than a thousand women and girls across the District, Maryland, and Virginia.
“A life well lived,” said L. Grant Mulzac in a memorial post dedicated to Niles. “My [doctor] for more than 40 years. He was always kind, professional and accessible for follow up and clarity if needed. He never talked over your head but was consistently firm in giving instructions or guidance for the best outcomes. He will be missed by a host of patients and those who loved and respected him throughout the region. My heart is heavy.”
A barrier-breaking scholar, leader and physician, Niles was not only a DMV doctor, but someone who deeply cared about expanding opportunities for others, due to his own life experiences. In college, Niles was the only African American student in his freshman class, and in 1993 he became the first African chief of staff for the District’s Columbia Hospital for Women.
Because Niles was committed to creating educational opportunities for young people through scholarships and mentorship, his family is now 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.
The longtime physician is survived by his wife Amy Niles; his children, John Herbert, III (Rachel), Mark (Jennifer), Kahlida, Jonnell (Nic), Lyndsay (Brian), Hannah (John), and Justin. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren to remember his life and legacy: Grayce, Maxwell, Hilliard, Peck, Knox, Bellamy, and Samara.
A service celebrating Niles’ life will take place at Dunbarton Chapel, located at 2900 Van Ness St NW, Washington, DC, on Saturday, Oct. 10, with visitation at 11 a.m. and service at 11:30 a.m.
“Dr. Niles was a [four]-generation Ob/Gyn for my family,” Cynthia, another patient of Dr. Niles commented on Legacy.com. “His honest bedside manner made understanding your issues so much easier. His love for his job made him an awesome person. Rest in heaven, Dr. Niles.”
