ISHLT Honors Robert Kormos with Amanda W. Rowe Distinguished Service Award
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has named Robert L. Kormos, emeritus professor of cardiothoracic surgery and bioengineering, as the recipient of its 2026 Amanda W. Rowe Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes sustained and outstanding contributions to the Society.
Dr. Kormos is a global leader in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and cardiothoracic transplantation. His record of service has touched nearly every facet of the Society’s work. As the 15th ISHLT President and a long-standing volunteer, Dr. Kormos has helped develop ISHLT’s scientific programs, guidelines, and registry efforts. He currently serves as an at-large member on the Membership & Outreach Oversight Committee.
Dr. Kormos is currently the Division Vice President Global Medical Affairs Heart Failure at Abbott Laboratories in Austin, Texas. He was formerly a deputy director at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the past director of UPMC’s Artificial Heart Program. His work has pioneered durable ventricular assist device (VAD) therapies and advanced both surgical techniques and patient outcomes.
“I joined the family that is ISHLT in 1985,” said Dr. Kormos, “and I have immense gratitude for all of the pioneering and contemporary educators and mentors that helped foster my growth in heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support.”
The 2026 Amanda W. Rowe Distinguished Service Award address by Dr. Kormos during the ISHLT’s 46th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions will be recorded and available online after the Annual Meeting in April.