Groundbreaking Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Victor Parsonnet Makes the List
To Recognize Dr. Parsonnet for his contributions, Vote for him in the enterprise category at: rwjbh.org/vp
Newark, New Jersey (DECEMBER 3, 2018) – Dr. Victor Parsonnet laid the foundation for one of the most successful cardiac surgery programs in the state of New Jersey and in the nation at RWJBarnabas Health and now at 94-years-old, he has the chance to be recognized as a true New Jersey Hall of Famer. From now through December 15 you can vote for him to be inducted into the 2018 New Jersey Hall of Fame, in the enterprise category at rwjbh.org/vp.
A Newark native, Dr. Victor Parsonnet made his name in New Jersey and worldwide as a groundbreaking cardiac surgeon. He performed the first heart transplants and kidney transplants in New Jersey; he implanted the first permanent pacemakers in New Jersey and the first permanent transvenous pacemakers worldwide.
“A pioneer is one who ventures into unexplored areas with innovative ideas,” stated Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “Certainly, Dr. Victor Parsonnet, creator of so many frontline medical procedures that are regularly performed in our facilities today, is a pioneer and well deserving of the recognition and tribute of being named to the 2018 New Jersey Hall of Fame.”
“We are forever indebted to Dr. Victor Parsonnet for his dedication to our patients, this community and to advancements in cardiac research. He paved the way for our current success as one of the most comprehensive cardiac programs in the country,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., MHA, MPH, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.
Dr. Parsonnet is the former Director of Surgery and Surgical Research at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, where he practiced medicine for more than 60 years and achieved many milestone moments for the state of New Jersey.
In addition, he established New Jersey’s first heart transplant program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant program at Newark Beth Israel just celebrated a milestone 1,000 heart transplants performed, a distinction held by only 12 hospitals in the country.
The general public is encouraged to cast their vote from now through December 15, 2018. The individuals with the most votes in each category are automatically inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Dr. Victor Parsonnet is one of 10 finalists in the Enterprise category. To cast your vote for Dr. Victor Parsonnet go to rwjbh.org/vp.
In addition to his many clinical accomplishments, Dr. Parsonnet is an avid lover of the performing arts and served as chairman of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra for 17 years. He was an early supporter of the creation of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and a pianist and avid tennis player.