World-renowned UH Cardiologist Passes Away After Brief Illness

CLEVELAND -- Leaders at University Hospitals (UH) Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute are saddened to share news of the passing of Albert L. Waldo, MD, (Hon) PhD, after a brief illness. Dr. Waldo died on August 17, surrounded by family. He was 85 years old.

Dr. Waldo was a world-renowned physician, scientist, and educator who was recruited to UH in 1986 to establish the Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology at UH Cleveland Medical Center. He served as the Walter H. Pritchard Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University until his retirement in 2022.

During his tenure, he oversaw translational research that advanced the understanding of cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms. He held pivotal roles in clinical trials that profoundly impacted patient outcomes, and he embraced and trained more than 100 cardiac electrophysiology fellows and translational scientists from around the world. His work led many to refer to him as a giant in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.

“Dr. Waldo was an extraordinary mentor and colleague who will be remembered not only for his scientific contributions, but his friendship,” said Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD, President of UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, and Angela and James Hambrick Chair in Innovation. “His office door was always open, and he found time for his colleagues and trainees, offering encouragement, insight, and humor.” 

Dr. Waldo’s accomplishments are many. He was the founding member and past president of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE) which is now called Heart Rhythm Society. He authored more than 600 publications, including one selected by the American College of Cardiology as one of 14 Historical Articles, as part of its 50th Anniversary Commemoration. He received the Distinguished Scientist Award from NASPE, as well as the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American College of Cardiology in 2009.

The Albert L Waldo, MD, (hon) PhD Endowed Lectureship in Cardiac Electrophysiology at UH Cleveland Medical Center has been established to honor his legacy.

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