Born in 1919 in Minneapolis, MN, Adams was a descendant of U.S. presidents John Adams (1735-1826) and John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), who lived to the ages of 91 and 81, respectively. He attended both Johns Hopkins and the University of Minnesota, earning degrees specializing in pediatrics, infectious diseases and pediatric cardiology. From his research on fetal and neonatal cardiopulmonary function in health and disease to his implementation of the first heart catheterizations on newborns and infants, Adams’ life and career in medicine were full of many firsts and renowned accomplishments. Read More >>>
Adams also contributed much to ACC’s success over the years, serving as president from 1971–1972. He also served as chair of the ACC’s Annual Scientific Program and of the ACC’s Credentials Committee. Additionally, he aided in the development of ACC’s first scientific journal, Cardiology, and became its first editor.
“Dr. Forrest Adams had an enormous impact on my own alma mater, the University of Minnesota as well as on the ACC,” said ACC President Mary Norine Walsh, MD, FACC. “As we work on changes in ACC governance and our five-year Strategic Plan, we are reminded that many pivotal College initiatives were started by or contributed to by Dr. Adams. His legacy is enduring.”
Adams is survived by his wife, Joan, and eight children. Click here to read more about Adams in a feature article originally published in the December 2014 issue of Cardiology.
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