ACC Past President Sylvan Lee Weinberg, MD, MACC, a renowned cardiologist, educator and writer passed away on Jan. 17, 2017 in Dayton, OH. He was 93 years old.

Weinberg was born in Nashville, TN, and received both his bachelor of science and doctor of medicine degrees from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, in 1945 and 1948, respectively. He spent his time as an intern, medical resident and fellow in cardiology at the Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL, and went on to serve as a physician at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, OH, for more than 40 years, ultimately becoming chief of cardiology and founder of the first coronary care unit in Ohio. Weinberg was also a clinical professor of medicine at the Wright State University School of Medicine, and led a group cardiology practice until his retirement in 1999.

“We mourn the passing of Dr. Weinberg,” said David Joffe, MD, FACC, president of the Heart Institute of Dayton. “His legacy will live on for future generations of medicals professionals around the world.”

While still in cardiology practice, Weinberg served as president of the ACC from 1993 to 1994, as well as president of the American College of Chest Physicians and the Montgomery County Medical Society. Weinberg was the author of many books and publications, including “The Golden Age of Medical Science and the Dark Age of Healthcare Delivery: Reflections on the Practice and Art of Medicine.” Weinberg also served as editor-in-chief of ACC’s ACCEL audio journal for 15 years, was the founding editor of the American Heart Hospital Journal,  founding co-editor of Heart & Lung, and founding editor of the Journal of The Heart Institute of Dayton. Weinberg served on a number of editorial boards, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, CHEST and Heart (formerly The British Heart Journal).  He has published widely in the medical literature and made more than 230 invited appearances in North America and on five continents overseas. 

"Sylvan Weinberg was a role model for an entire generation of clinical cardiologists,” said ACC President Richard A. Chazal, MD, FACC. “I first met him when he served as a visiting professor at Indiana University in the 1980's.  His ACC career included a highly successful term as president, but also a 15-year legacy as an editor of ACCEL.  His ability to balance a practice career, academics and service to the College is a tribute to his intellect and character."

Weinberg was predeceased by his wife, Joan, and is survived by his two children Andrew and Leslie, granddaughters Paige Weinberg, and Hannah Weinberg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Weinberg’s name to The Heart Institute of Dayton at Good Samaritan Hospital. 

Keywords: In Memoriam, Cardiology Interventions

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