Eric Rose '75: Gold Medalist for Excellence in Clinical Medicine

Eric Rose '75 was presented with the Gold Medal for  for Excellence in Clinical Medicine at the VP&S Alumni Reunion on April 22, 2023, in New York City.

With the mentorship of his predecessor as surgical chair at VP&S, Keith Reemtsma, Dr. Rose pioneered pediatric heart transplantation and led the Columbia heart transplant program to become one of the pre-eminent programs in the world. He initiated Columbia's program in mechanical circulatory support, leading the NIH-supported REMATCH Trial (Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure), demonstrating conclusively that long-term use of mechanical circulatory support devices prolongs and enhances life in end-stage transplant-ineligible heart disease patients. The trial resulted in FDA approval of mechanical devices for long-term use and thousands of implants of such devices worldwide. During Dr. Rose's chairmanship at VP&S, he developed new liver and lung transplantation programs, with VP&S becoming one of the country's most active solid organ transplant programs.

This award honors alumni with notable achievements in clinical medicine that significantly advance healthcare outcomes. Learn more about the VP&S Alumni Association’s annual awards program and submit a nomination anytime for yourself or a fellow alum.