Dr. Konstantin E. Balashov, MD, PhD, FAAN, age 65, passed away on Saturday, November 8th, at Boston Medical Center after an arduous and courageous battle with a rare and serious illness.

Konstantin was the proud and loving father of his sons Dmitry Balashov and Alexander Balashov, and the cherished brother of Tatyana Balashova. He was born to Evgeniy Balashov and Klaudia Andreevna Balashova in Ramenskoye, Moscow Region, and migrated to the United States in 1989 before bringing his family over in the early 1990s.

He began his remarkable medical career in Russia, where he earned his medical degree from the Russian State Medical University and completed a PhD in Neuroscience. He showed great promise as a young doctor and achieved recognition in his field before being invited to Harvard Medical School as a postdoctoral fellow to continue his work in Neuroimmunology. He later completed a medical internship in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a neurology residency in New Jersey, and a subsequent fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Konstantin was a distinguished physician and researcher, known for his dedication, intellect, and deep compassion for his patients. He served as Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Boston Medical Center, and as a clinical professor of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine for the past five years. Prior to that, he spent nearly sixteen years as a Professor of Neurology at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University, where he mentored trainees and advanced important clinical and scientific work in the field of multiple sclerosis.

Beyond his professional achievements, Konstantin found joy in traveling and exploring the world’s natural beauty. He particularly loved hiking, visiting places such as Lake Baikal, the Alps, the Norwegian Fjords, and Machu Picchu. He also enjoyed discovering new cities, visiting theme parks with his children, skiing, sailing, gardening, and endlessly working on improving his home with care and creativity.

A wake will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, from 2:45–4:00 PM, at Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown Street, Newton, MA 02458. Burial is private.