Newark Beth Israel Medical Center's Own Dr. Victor Parsonnet Is Named to the New Jersey Hall of Fame
Victor Parsonnet, MD, laid the foundation for one of the most successful cardiac surgery programs in the state of New Jersey and in the nation at RWBarnabas Health. At 95 years old, he was recognized as a true New Jersey Hall of Famer. Dr. Parsonnet was inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2019 in the Public Service category on Oct. 27.
A Newark native, Dr. 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 nuclear-powered pacemaker in the world.
“A pioneer is one who ventures into unexplored areas with innovative ideas,” says 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 2019 New Jersey Hall of Fame.”
Decades of Distinction
“We are forever indebted to Dr. Victor Parsonnet for his dedication to our patients, to 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,” says 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.
Dr. Parsonnet 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 has performed more than 1,100 heart transplants, a distinction held by only 12 hospitals in the country.
In addition to his many clinic al accomplishments, Dr. Parsonnet is a devotee 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 is a pianist and an avid tennis player.
Learn more about heart care and transplant services and at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, contact us for an appointment or call (888) 724-7123.