Dr. Tearle L. Meyer, diagnostic radiologist, dies at age 91

A Legacy of Vision: Remembering Dr. Tearle Meyer

The medical community in Ohio and beyond is mourning the loss of Dr. Tearle L. Meyer, a diagnostic radiologist whose career spanned over five decades and helped fundamentally change the landscape of breast cancer detection. Dr. Meyer passed away on November 5, 2026, at the age of 91, as confirmed by the Epstein Memorial Chapel. His death marks the conclusion of a life defined by clinical innovation, dedicated service, and a deep, enduring commitment to his community.

Born in Columbus on June 25, 1935, Dr. Meyer’s path to medicine began at Bexley High School. He went on to earn his medical degree from The Ohio State University, a foundation that propelled him into a rigorous residency at Cincinnati General Hospital. Following his residency, he served his country in the United States Navy—a period of his life that preceded his long and impactful tenure at Grant Hospital in Columbus.

Pioneering Early Cancer Diagnosis

While many clinicians are remembered for their bedside manner, Dr. Meyer earned a reputation as a visionary within his field. He is widely credited with establishing screening mammography as a standard, effective tool for the early detection of breast cancer. This was not merely a clinical practice for him; it was a crusade to improve survival rates through timely intervention. His expertise earned him the status of Fellow of the American College of Radiology, and he served as Chancellor of that same prestigious organization.

His leadership extended across professional boundaries. Throughout his career, he held the presidency of several key organizations, including the Ohio Radiological Society, the Central Ohio Radiological Society, and the Eastern Radiological Society. He also served as the medical staff president for Grant Medical Center, where he was recognized for his role as an outstanding teacher and clinician. In 2026, the medical community reflects on a career that bridged the gap between early diagnostic experimentation and the modern standard of care.

Community Leadership and Lasting Bonds

Dr. Meyer’s professional accolades, including the Silver Medal Award from the Ohio State Radiological Society, were matched by his volunteerism. He served as the President of the American Cancer Society of Columbus and lent his expertise to the Bexley Board of Health. Beyond medicine, his interests reached into the arts, where he served on the Board of Trustees for the Columbus Jazz Arts Group.

Dr. Tearle L. Meyer, diagnostic radiologist, dies at age 91 — Photo: echovita.com

Even in his later years, after transitioning to life in Florida, he remained tethered to his profession, continuing his work at the Cleveland Clinic in Naples. Yet, those who knew him best often speak of his personal life with equal reverence. He and his high school sweetheart, Nancy, shared 69 years of marriage, building a family that includes three children—Andrew, Harlan, and Paula—along with a wide circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Radiologist Career Battle: Diagnostic vs Interventional

The practical details of his passing and the upcoming services reflect the deep roots he maintained in Columbus. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Congregation Agudas Achim, located at 2767 E. Broad St. Following the service, interment will take place at the New Agudas Achim Cemetery. For those unable to attend in person, the congregation is providing a livestream of the service.

Family and friends will observe Shiva at the home of Harlan and Teri Meyer on Sunday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to Congregation Agudas Achim, the Grant Medical Center Foundation, or the Columbus Jewish Historical Society. As the community gathers this weekend, they celebrate a man who spent 91 years proving that professional excellence and genuine kindness are not mutually exclusive.

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