Doctor Dumas Alexander One of the most well-known doctors in Tallahassee, “A.D.” Brickler, passed away on October 30 in the company of his family. He was ninety-four years old.
It is estimated that over his illustrious 60-year career, he delivered approximately 30,000 babies. He retired from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare four years ago at the age of ninety-nine, and the woman’s pavilion was named in his honor. Dr. Brickler has also contributed to the education of over 330 residents who have completed the TMH Family Medicine Residency Program since its inception in 1971. Dr. Brickler was described as one of “the most incredible men I’ve ever met” by TMH President and CEO Mark O’Bryant.
“Whenever I was in his presence, I felt like I was in the presence of greatness,” he said, in a statement to the Tallahassee Democrat. “When you listen to his stories and learn about how he approached life and how he changed people and people’s opinions of how to work across races, different sectors of society, the man was a pioneer. He was a steady change agent. He was just incredible.”
According to O’Bryant, being one of the babies he delivered was a badge of distinction for many.
“There’s a lot of pride in our community that comes with saying, ‘I’m a Brickler baby.’ ” he said. “He never saw himself as the hero, but he was a hero.”