Four Distinguished Faculty Who Changed the Landscape of Cardiac Transplant Surgery and Transplant Cardiology Retire,
including Dr. Philip E. Oyer

by Lynn Nichols
December 15, 2023

Ever since Dr. Norman E. Shumway performed the first successful human heart transplant in the U.S. in 1968, Stanford University has attracted exceptional faculty dedicated to staying on the leading edge of heart transplantation. Four of those faculty members were honored recently at an all-day retirement event: Dr. Philip E. Oyer, cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. John Schroeder, transplant cardiologist, Dr. Sharon Hunt, transplant cardiologist, and Dr. Michael B. Fowler, transplant cardiologist and heart failure specialist. Combined, the four esteemed faculty have over 200 years of experience with Stanford University.

At the celebration of retirement event on October 31, 2023, the four were honored for their commitment to furthering the research and comprehension of cardiovascular medicine and cardiothoracic surgery. The group has made an indelible mark on the School of Medicine.

The day started with introductory statements by Dr. Joseph Woo, Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Dr. Eldrin Lewis, Division Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine. The two praised the honored faculty for “contributing immensely to the landscapes of cardiac surgery and cardiovascular medicine today.”

In particular, Dr. Oyer was recognized for his world-renowned technical expertise in clinical cardiovascular surgery. He had a long and successful career performing innovative and complex heart surgeries and heart and heart-lung transplants. Dr. Oyer made history in 1984 by co-developing and implanting the first mechanical ventricular assist device to successfully serve as a bridge to heart transplantation.

Dr. Oyer came to Stanford University in 1970 to complete his residencies in cardiovascular surgery and general surgery, and joined the faculty in 1976. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago in 1969. In his 51 years at Stanford, he produced over 260 articles in peer-reviewed publications. He was named the first Roy B. Cohn - Theodore A. Falasco Professor in Cardiothoracic Surgery in 2011 and served as acting interim department chair from 2012 to 2013.

The day was filled with moderated discussions from ten distinguished cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology faculty on a variety of current topics. The afternoon featured a lively fireside chat with the four distinguished faculty members and attendees. A surprise special guest, Dr. Bruce Reitz, former chairman of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery from 1993 to 2005, made an appearance to the delight of the retirees. There was much reminiscing and thoughtful discussion about the evolution of care that has occurred over the years.

The event was followed by a formal dinner for families of the retirees and faculty members. Approximately 75 attendees joined in throughout the day. Please recognize the four retirees for their exceptional careers and thank them for leaving behind a legacy of excellence in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac transplant, and cardiology.