Esteemed cardiovascular researcher, educator and mentor, C. Richard Conti, MD, MACC, passed away on Feb. 21 at the age of 87, leaving behind an indelible legacy within the ACC and the profession overall.

Born in Bethlehem, PA, Conti’s academic path to cardiology started at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1960 and went on to be an intern and assistant resident there from 1960 to 1962. After a brief time in the U.S. Army Medical Corps starting in 1963, Conti returned to Hopkins to complete his internal medicine residency and cardiovascular fellowship from 1965 to 1967.

During his time at Hopkins, Conti channeled his interest in coronary artery disease, with a specific focus on ischemic heart disease. It was during this time that coronary angiography was emerging on the scene, enabling him to be among the first interventional cardiology pioneers. Over his lifetime, he authored or co-authored more than 600 scientific papers, book chapters and abstracts, as well as wrote two books. Conti was chair of the first national randomized prospective trial of medical vs. surgical intervention in patients with unstable angina pectoris, a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) study started in 1972, and was chair of the ACIP (Asymptomatic Ischemia Pilot) trial comparing medical therapy with revascularization in patients with stable angina.

"The cardiovascular community lost a true pioneer in Dr. Conti," says ACC President Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, FACC. "His contributions as a researcher and an educator have made us all better clinicians and were instrumental in cementing the ACC’s foundation for cutting-edge education on which we continue to build."

Following his time at Hopkins, Conti was the medical director of the Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory and Wellcome Research Laboratory from 1968 to 1974. He was recruited to the University of Florida as professor of medicine and chief of the division of cardiology in 1974, ultimately growing the division of cardiovascular medicine to become a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in research and training. Conti stepped down as chief of cardiology in 1998 after serving in the role for 24 years – one of the longest tenures of a cardiovascular chief in the U.S. – but remained active with the University of Florida, directing the Ambulatory Cardiology Section and providing inpatient and consultative services.

Conti also leaves behind an incredible legacy at the ACC, including serving as president from 1989 to 1990. He served in leadership roles on several ACC committees, including the Education Committee for Extramural Programs, Educational Program Committee, Grant Review Committee and the Board of Trustees. As chair of the Self-Study Education Materials Committee, Conti played a major role in the creation of the ACC’s Self-Assessment Program (ACCSAP). He also served as editor-in-chief of ACC’s ACCEL audio journal and was active with the ACC’s Florida Chapter, receiving the Gifted Teacher Award in 1999.

"Dick Conti was a cornerstone of the ACC," says ACC Past President Richard A. Chazal, MD, MACC. "He was also a critically important contributor to the Florida Chapter, where he continued until recently to be a major part of the scientific meeting, the vibrant discussions and social interactions with Florida clinicians. His broad academic and clinical knowledge was generously shared, and he served as a reference for many of us when we had difficult clinical cases. Dick’s combination of wisdom, sociability and engagement make us all mentees of an important leader."

Outside of the ACC, Conti served on the Subspecialty Board of Cardiovascular Diseases of the American Board of Internal Medicine, as well as on the Cardiology Advisory Committee of the NHLBI. A strong advocate for advancing heart care worldwide, he earned recognition throughout his career from global cardiovascular societies including the British Cardiac Society, French Cardiac Society, European Society of Cardiology, College of Medicine South Africa, Venezuelan Cardiac Society, and others. He also received the Docteur Honoris Causa from the Université de Marseilles in June 2000.

"Dick Conti was incredible in his persistence for excellence; he made us all better cardiologists and better people," said ACC Past President Carl J. Pepine, MD, MACC. "During his long tenure as editor of ACCEL this was apparent in his interviews and dialogs. He was also on the Executive Committee when we started the first ACC Chapter in Florida in 1986 and he was a key part of all Chapter activities for many years. He also played important roles in ACC’s early international efforts with ESC and assisting with the development and growth of the Great Wall International Conference of Cardiology (which he helped to initiate and co-chaired with Professor Dayi Hu in 1989). The ACC and cardiology at large have lost an important part of their history."

When not practicing cardiology, Conti and his wife Ruth were avid runners, completing the Boston and New York Marathons more than once. He also enjoyed golf, travel and spending time with his four children (Jill, Jamie, Jennifer and Richard) and their families, including five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His daughter Jamie, also a cardiologist, followed in his footsteps and has worked side-by-side with him for more than 30 years. His colleagues remember him as a great friend and mentor.

"Dick and I held the ACC Presidency in consecutive years and spent a great deal of time together," says ACC Past President Anthony N. DeMaria, MD, MACC. "I often turned to him with difficult issues, and his advice was always sage and given with his usual sense of good humor. He did not shy away from having opinions. Years later, as editor of JACC, when I wanted to generate discussion/participation at editorial board meetings, I could always call on Dick to get things started. He also frequently ended the discussion by succinctly drawing a conclusion or with a humorous comment."

"Dick has been a friend most of my life and so supportive as a mentor in ACC leadership and ACCEL. But the teaching trips were the most memorable, from good wine to bad golf. We will miss his spirit," says ACC Past President Spencer B. King III, MD, MACC.