‘We will miss him greatly’: Cardiologists share loving tributes to a founding member of SCAI
Frank J. Hildner, MD, a pioneer of interventional cardiology and founding member of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), died on Jan. 26 with his family at his side. He was 90 years old.
In addition to helping found the Society for Cardiac Angiography, which later evolved into SCAI, Hildner established the society’s official journal in 1975 and served as that publication’s editor-in-chief for more than two decades. He was also SCAI’s president in 1989-90 and received multiple awards for his significant contributions to cardiovascular care.
SCAI even established the popular Hildner Lecture, part of its annual Scientific Sessions meeting, in the cardiologist’s honor. The 2025 Hildner Lecture will be delivered by world-famous interventional cardiologist William Lombardi, MD, on May 1, 2025, as part of SCAI 2025 in Washington, D.C.
“Frank was a firm hand in ensuring that SCAI got off on the right foot, and he supported it with his whole being,” Christopher J. White, MD, SCAI’s president in 2011, said in a statement celebrating Hildner’s lasting legacy. “He was a giant, both clinically and academically, in terms of his clinical skills and how he weaved them into SCAI’s journal. Frank was a builder who would work behind the scenes to make things bigger and better—but he never featured himself. He and his wife Christine were the most generous people.”
“Frank Hildner will be remembered for his many contributions to invasive and interventional cardiology,” added Steven R. Bailey, MD, SCAI’s president in 2009. “As a founder of SCAI, Frank's vision included an understanding that the emerging field of invasive and interventional cardiology would have greater success if there were options for sharing experiences to improve patient outcomes. This remains a hallmark of SCAI today and is reflected in the annual Hildner Lecture focusing on innovation and improvement. His desire to foster discussions about improving outcomes led him to establish a journal that focused on the ‘how’ in our procedures in addition to the ‘why.’”
Bonnie H. Weiner, MD, SCAI’s president in 2007, said Hildner was always focused on helping SCAI “grow and improve” with each passing year.
“We all knew him as a wonderful, funny, and warm human being,” she said. “We will miss him greatly.”
An online tribute focuses on Hildner’s close relationships with his family—including Christine, his wife of 67 years—as well as his strong personal character. A guest book for leaving personal messages is also available.