July 21, 2006

In memoriam: Allan Friedlich, MD

Former MGH cardiologist, Allan Friedlich, MD, died July 7 at the age of 89 after a long illness. A clinical professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS), Friedlich was a well-respected cardiologist at the MGH for 54 years, making many contributions to the Cardiology Department. A 1943 graduate of HMS, Friedlich completed his internship and residency training at the MGH before he served in the U.S. Army as a medical officer and flight surgeon during World War II. He returned to the MGH in 1947 as a medical resident and later completed a research fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Friedlich helped renowned MGH cardiologist Paul Dudley White, MD, in establishing the International Cardiology Foundation and was one of several MGH cardiologists who developed the first cardiac catheterization laboratory at the hospital. His major research interests included the hemodynamics of the circulatory system and clinical research related to cardiac valvular disease.

He held several leadership positions in professional organizations, such as president of the Boston chapter of the Massachusetts Heart Association and the local affiliate of the American Heart Association. He served on the national Board of Directors for the American Heart Association and was president of the New England Cardiovascular Society. A memorial service will be held Sept. 9 at 3 pm in the O'Keeffe Auditorium.