ISMA mourns the loss of colleague and friend, Eric Berman, who passed away on Dec. 5, 2025, following a courageous 19-year battle with cancer. He was 60.

Eric joined ISMA as communications manager after a distinguished, nearly three-decade career in Indiana journalism. He brought not only his deep expertise as a communicator but also his intellectual curiosity, which defined every chapter of his life. He was the editor for Legislative News and the voice of ISMA’s podcast, “The Clinic.” His profound knowledge of the English language made him a capable proofreader of others’ writing and speeches. He was the project lead on the AMA’s Care is at Your Core project and the Indiana Physician Coalition (IPC). He also moderated the legislative news panel at the 2025 ISMA Convention.

“As ISMA President, it was my pleasure to have worked closely with Eric,” Past President William Pond, MD said. “He possessed the keen ability to crystalize and clarify thoughts and then convey the messages to physicians, patients and the public.  My remarks and writings were so much better because of his insights, abilities and professionalism.”

A native of Crown Point, Indiana, his journalistic journey began early, shaped by an exceptional academic record. He was valedictorian of Crown Point High School and was later inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2011. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University. While at IU, he showcased his talents far beyond the newsroom as a member of the Singing Hoosiers and the IU College Bowl Team, representing the university on the national stage.

Eric’s broadcast career took him across the state, from WIOU in Kokomo to WOWO in Fort Wayne, and ultimately to WIBC and Network Indiana in Indianapolis. He became one of Indiana’s most respected political reporters, covering six governors, countless elections, and legislative sessions that shaped the state’s future.

In 2022, his contributions were recognized when Governor Eric Holcomb named him a Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest civilian honor.

Eric had a curiosity that extended far beyond journalism. He was a lifelong fan of Broadway and the Chicago Cubs, a dedicated member of the National Puzzlers’ League, and a presence in national trivia competitions. A five-time Jeopardy! champion who advanced to the 1987 Tournament of Champions, he went on to win on the game show Trivial Pursuit and compete with teams that ranked among the top trivia groups in the nation.

His intellectual generosity matched his skill. Eric taught LSAT preparation courses to students aspiring to become lawyers and earned a full scholarship to UCLA Law School—an opportunity he ultimately declined due to health challenges.

At ISMA, Eric brought the same dedication to accuracy, clarity, and public understanding that defined his journalism career. He worked to support physicians and the health of Hoosiers, helping the association communicate effectively on complex medical and policy issues. His colleagues knew him as thoughtful, unfailingly kind, and always ready with a quip or obscure fact that brightened the day.

“Eric was an incredibly humble and inspiring man,” ISMA President Ryan Singerman, DO said. “Though he's interviewed congresspeople, governors, and had a surpassing intellect and knowledge of the obscure (leading to winning five rounds of Jeopardy!), you would never know it. I only learned these things from others, he never once touted his accomplishments. He was always kind, always compassionate—never seemed in a hurry, nor would he rush you. He was intensely private—perhaps due to his career of interviewing others—and he had a knack of saying the right thing at the right time to help you through a tough day. He was someone I always enjoyed working with and he will be sorely missed!”

His family, friends, coworkers, and listeners across the state will remember his voice, his brilliance, and his perseverance. Eric’s legacy at ISMA will endure. We are grateful for the time we shared with him.