David Chalmers Agnew, M.D., passed away at his residence at Maravilla in Santa Barbara, under a full moon, the day after his 80th birthday on Feb. 1, 2026, following a long struggle with a neurodegenerative disorder.
David was born Jan. 30, 1946 in Everett, Pennsylvania, the only son of William Chalmers Agnew and Adelaide Phoebe Hartman Agnew.
David attended The Mercersburg Academy, in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, graduating with honors, following which he attended Denison University, where he also distinguished himself and graduated cum laude.
David completed his schooling at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1971 with the degree of medical doctor.
He performed a rotating medical internship in 1971-72 at the Robert Packer Hospital and Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Pennsylvania. This was followed by his residency from 1972-75 at Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, including a fellowship in Intractable Pain Studies at the Institute of Neurology (Queen Square) London, England from July 1974-January 1975.
He opened a family planning clinic in Jamaica right out of medical school as a new doctor, where incredibly interesting stories ensued.
David was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society; American Academy of Neurology; Los Angeles Society of Neurology & Psychiatry; California Neurological Association; International Association for the Study of Pain in which he was a founding member; Western USA Pain Society in which he was not only a founding member but also served as its vice-president and president from 1983-85; American Pain Society of which he was a founding member; American Society of Neuroimaging; American Academy of Pain Medicine where he was a founding member, director at large, and treasurer; Royal Society of Medicine (fellow); a charter member of the Association of California Neurologists and the California Academy of Pain Medicine, among other professional affiliations.
David Agnew’s professional accomplishments and activities truly set him apart as both a scholar and leader in the medical profession. He was a preeminent figure in the treatment of pain in the United States and authored or co-authored over 20 published articles on that subject alone.
He was a member of the California Academy of Pain Medicine and served as a board member for over 21 years.
David was a charter member of the Association of California Neurologists; member of the Editorial Board of the American Academy of Pain Medicine’s official journal; medical director of Santa Barbara Pain Center at St. Francis Hospital; and pursued a private neurological practice devoted to helping patients suffering from chronic pain.
In 2015 he co-created Advanced Integrated Neurosciences, P.C., known locally as The TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara, where he served as its first president bringing cutting-edge therapy for pain, depression and anxiety disorders to the Santa Barbara community.
Dr. Agnew devoted his professional life to the practice of medicine with an unstinting devotion to his Hippocratic oath and the well-being of his patients.
To his colleagues he will always be remembered as a consummate professional. To his friends he will always be remembered as a kind, generous and elegant gentleman who will be very much missed.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. March 12 at All Saints-By-TheSea in Montecito. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Order of St. John, in honor of Dr. Agnew’s lifelong commitment to healing and service.