Albert L. Waldo, MD, an influential cardiologist who helped shape the field of electrophysiology, died Aug. 17 due to complications related to a long fight with prostate cancer. He was 86 years old.
Waldo served as the Walter H. Pritchard Professor of Cardiology and as a professor of biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland until he retired in 2022. He also helped establish the cardiac electrophysiology division at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he maintained a significant presence until his retirement.
Over the course of his career, Waldo published more than 500 articles that have gone on to be cited by his peers more than 36,000 times. He also played a key role in the development of electrophysiology by exploring the science of entrainment, which helped lead to new, improved ways to treat critical heart rhythm issues.
According to a statement on Waldo’s passing from University Hospitals, many of the cardiologist’s peers and trainees described him as a “giant in the field of electrophysiology.”
“Dr. Waldo was an extraordinary mentor and colleague who will be remembered not only for his scientific contributions, but his friendship,” Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD, president of the University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, said in the statement. “His office door was always open, and he found time for his colleagues and trainees, offering encouragement, insight, and humor.”
Waldo also was a founding member of the Heart Rhythm Society—known as the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology at the time—and served as president of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society. He earned many honors during his career, including the American College of Cardiology’s Distinguished Scientist Award in 2009.
Waldo is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rosin, as well as three grown children and five grandchildren. His full obituary, including instructions for planting a tree in his memory, is available here.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.