It was with deep personal sadness that I learned of the passing of Eugene Braunwald, MD. Gene was not only a towering figure in cardiovascular medicine, but also a mentor and friend to many of us in the health and medicine community, including me. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine since 1974. I had the privilege of knowing Gene for many years, including during his remarkable tenure as chair of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he trained generations of physicians, scientists, and leaders.
Regarded as one of the founders of the field, Gene’s research transformed the understanding of heart disease and helped shape the course of modern cardiovascular medicine. In addition to his pioneering career, it was his generosity of spirit, his intellectual curiosity, and his unwavering commitment to guiding the next generation that left the deepest inspiration. I witnessed firsthand his dedication to advancing science in service to humanity. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he saved, the field he helped build, and the example he set for all of us.
My heart goes out to Gene’s family, friends, and colleagues, whose lives he touched.
For more information, see Dr. Braunwald’s obituary in TCTMD.
