Dr. Ghodrat Siami

Dr. Ghodrat A. Siami gained his heavenly wings on January 24, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Born in 1930 in Gorgan, Iran, Dr. Siami dedicated his life to the service of his community. His mission began in 1954 by offering free medical care in one of the poorest communities in Tehran to patients suffering and dying from common maladies that were otherwise untreated. Prior to coming to the United States, he served in the Iranian Armed Forces for 30 years, retiring with the rank of full colonel. Dr. Siami was honored to serve as one of the physicians to the Shah of Iran, as well as being in charge of the nutritional needs for the entire Armed Forces.

He moved his family to Nashville, TN where he obtained his PhD in biochemistry and served the Nashville community from1980 until his retirement in 2018. He was the recipient of the Borden Award for his groundbreaking research in the role of selenium in human metabolism. He retired as Professor Emeritus at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine where he trained many residents in internal medicine and nephrology. Dr. Siami was a devoted physician serving the veterans at The Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He also established the Apheresis Center at Vanderbilt, one of only two centers where patients came from all over the United States to received plasma filtration and cryofiltration to treat rare diseases. In addition, Dr. Siami was a highly distinguished research scientist, a prominent contributor to many major medical journals, and deeply involved in the peer-reviewed and approval  process of research publications. He was a sought-after speaker, as well as a frequent keynote speaker at numerous national and international medical conferences and congresses for his pioneering expertise in the fields of apheresis and nephrology. In all, his dedication to the medical community spanned nearly 70 years.

Dr. Siami is preceded in death by his first wife of 60 years, Fatemeh; his parents Yussef and Massomeh; brother Anooshirvan, and sisters Iran, Tooran, Pooran, and Hajar. 

Dr. Siami is survived by his wife, Joan; brothers Ardeshir and Jamsheed; children, Farideh, Farkhondeh, Paul, Thomas, and Sandra; step-children, Jody and Joshua; grandchildren Candice, Jacqueline, Matthew, Knox, John, Emily, and Joseph; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Judson Baptist Church where he gave his heart to Jesus in June 2012.

He enjoyed spending time with his family hiking, backpacking, canoeing, skiing, going to the ocean, and interacting with the wildlife in his backyard. These hobbies allowed him to find tranquility amidst the demands of his busy professional life which included traveling numerous times to over 30 countries around the world. Above all else, Dr. Siami cherished family festivities such as birthdays, holidays, and life events which brought him joy and pride. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Visitation will be at Harpeth Hills Memory Garden (9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221) on Saturday, February 3, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM. The Celebration of Life commences at 11:15 AM with gravesite services to follow.