Robert H. Bartlett, M.D., renowned as the Father of ECMO, has died at the age of 86 after a long illness. Bartlett was an active emeritus surgeon at Michigan Medicine and served as a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School.
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Robert H. Bartlett, ‘Father of ECMO,’ dies at 86
Key Takeaways:
- Robert H. Bartlett died on October 20, 2025.
- He was widely recognized as the “Father of ECMO.”
- He served as an active emeritus surgeon at Michigan Medicine.
- He also held a professorship at the University of Michigan Medical School.
- He passed away at age 86 after a long illness.
Bartlett’s Passing
Robert H. Bartlett, M.D., best known as the “Father of ECMO,” passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Admired for his dedication to advancing critical care medicine, Bartlett died after a long illness, leaving behind a global legacy of medical innovation.
Pioneering ECMO
ECMO—extracorporeal membrane oxygenation—revolutionized life support for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. Bartlett’s role in pioneering ECMO earned him enduring respect across the medical community. While the full scope of his contributions is vast, it is widely agreed that his leadership in ECMO improved and extended countless lives.
Career at Michigan Medicine
Throughout his career, Bartlett served at Michigan Medicine as an active emeritus surgeon and as a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. He remained closely involved in patient care and professional mentorship, working alongside colleagues and students who benefited from his decades of surgical insight.
Remembering His Legacy
Although details of his personal journey and impacts on medical research extend far beyond this announcement, the available information underscores his standing as a pioneering figure in healthcare. In acknowledging Robert H. Bartlett’s passing, many recognize his unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and shaping future advancements in critical care.
Table: Bartlett At a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | October 20, 2025 |
| Age at Passing | 86 |
| Medical Focus | ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) |
| Academic & Clinical Roles | Emeritus Surgeon, Professor at U-M |
Bartlett will remain an inspiration to medical professionals, students, and patients who continue to benefit from the ECMO technology he helped bring into widespread use. His dedication to saving lives through innovation remains a timeless testament to his work at the University of Michigan and beyond.
