Daniel Auschlander

Dr. Daniel Auschlander (played by Norman Lloyd as a recurring character 1982–83, then as a main cast member 1983–88) was the Chief of Services at St. Eligius Hospital. It is revealed early in the series that he had recently been diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer and his long-term prognosis was poor. Nevertheless, an intensive course of chemotherapy during seasons two and three sent his cancer into remission. Having been associated with the hospital for much of his career, the was often seen as representing the institution's conscience or soul. Early in his tenure at St. Eligius, he frequently encountered serious anti-Semitic bias, but was determined not to acquiesce to it. He met his wife, Katherine (portrayed by Devon Ericson), while working at the hospital. Their marriage was portrayed as a very strong one throughout the series. During season 5, it was revealed that, before meeting Katherine, Dr. Auschlander had a child with a former flame, Margaret (Geraldine Fitzgerald), who gave it up for adoption and never told him. In season 6, Auschlander finally met his son (played by Lawrence Pressman), who decided it would be best not to stay in contact. He suffered a severe stroke (unrelated to his cancer) while on the verge of brokering an agreement for the Boston Archdiocese to buy back the hospital and retain Dr. Westphall as its administrator. He succumbed to the stroke's effects in the final episode.