George C. Nichopoulos

George Constantine Nichopoulos (born October 29, 1927), also known as "Dr. Nick", is a former American doctor of Greek descent. He is best known as Elvis Presley's personal physician and is controversial due to the singer's longstanding and ultimately fatal abuse of prescription drugs.

Early life and education

Born in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, Nichopoulos moved to Anniston, Alabama, during his infancy where his father, a Greek immigrant, opened a restaurant called Gus' Sanitary Cafe.

From 1946 to 1948, he served in the Army Medical Corps in Germany before studying at the University of the South. Nichopoulos earned his MD at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1959.

Career

He began treating Presley in 1967 for saddle pain, and took it on as a full-time job in 1970 until Presley's death in 1977. His son Dean Nichopoulos served sometimes as an assistant for Presley, taking care of his wardrobe. Nichopoulos was present the day Elvis died, and attempted to save his life. Nichopoulos was also present at the autopsy and served as a pallbearer at the funeral.