In bestowing its highest alumni honor, the University recognized Adams’ distinctive 80-year history of contributions to pediatric cardiology and his leadership.
“Physicians of Dr. Adams’ stature have never been common and are now almost extinct. We have the extraordinary good fortune of being able to both have the long view on his contributions and to recognize them while he is still with us,” said Jakub Tolar, MD, executive vice dean of the University of Minnesota. Read More >>>
Among the highlights of his career are many “firsts.” Adams first described the genetic disorder that later became known as Adams-Oliver Syndrome, performed the first heart catheterization on a newborn infant and helped establish the first hospital in the U.S. devoted solely to heart disease, the University of Minnesota’s Variety Children’s Heart Hospital.
He discovered the role of lung surfactant in respiratory distress syndrome and has achieved lasting impact through his research on congenital heart disease in infants, heart and lung function during fetal life, and the physiological changes that occur with birth. Adams authored some 200 scientific papers and is credited with 11 books, including the textbook Heart Disease in Infants, Children and Adolescents.
A member of the ACC since 1963, Adams served in many roles, including chair of the Annual Scientific Program and chair of the Credentials Committee, implement-ing criteria for categories of membership. He assisted with developing the first scientific journal of the ACC, Cardiology, and served as its first editor.
“The College is very grateful for Dr. Adams’ many contributions to patients, science, and to the ACC itself. This newest honor, bestowed by his alma mater, is a fitting reminder of the stature of a great physician and role model for all of us,” says Richard A. Chazal, MD, FACC, president of the ACC.
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