ACRC Symposium Panel Planned in Memory of Kerber

Next week, the François M. Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center will host its 4th Annual Symposium. Each year, experts in cardiovascular medicine from around the country come together to exchange ideas and reveal the latest on a variety of topics. You can read more about the presentations, lectures, and seminars scheduled across the two-day event here.

The panel in the Medical Alumni Auditorium, SE331 GH, from 8:30 to 11 on Friday morning, March 31 holds a special significance. The Cardiac Resuscitation and Imaging Scientific session is named and held in memory of the late Dr. Richard E. Kerber. Dr. Kerber, a member of the Department of Internal Medicine for more than 45 years, passed away last November, but his impact on cardiovascular medicine, particularly in cardiac resuscitation and those who learned it, will be felt for decades to come.

Each of the panelists invited have experience in resuscitation and defibrillation, but they also each had a relationship with Dr. Kerber.

Cardiac Resuscitation and Imaging Scientific Session in memory of the late Dr. Richard Kerber

(L-R: Saket Girotra, Diane Atkins, Myron Wiesfeldt, Laurie Morrison, Clifton Callaway)

• 8:30- 8:40 am – Introduction-by Dr. Saket Girotra, MBBS, MS,  Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine – Cardiovascular Medicine
• 8:40-9:05 am – Dianne Atkins, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Iowa. Presentation title: Pediatric Defibrillation: My Collaboration with Richard E. Kerber
• 9:10-9:30 am – Myron Wiesfeldt MD, Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine. Presentation title: Richard Kerber MD: My Partner in Public Access Defibrillation
• 9:40- 10:05 am – Laurie Morrison, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto. Presentation title: Richard Kerber MD: a mentor inspiring courage to innovate
• 10:10-10:35 am – Clifton Callaway, MD, PhD, Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. Presentation title: What to do after ACLS
• 10:40 am – closing remarks by Linda and Ross Kerber.

Ahead of next week’s event, Dr. Atkins offered this reminiscence:

Dr. Kerber was a leading authority on defibrillation, performing some of the ground-breaking work that led to our understanding of the mechanisms of this life-saving procedure. His guidance was selfless and untiring and he taught by example thru his passion for science and medicine. Initially my mentor, he became my colleague and friend. And I am forever indebted to his desire to support the younger generation.

The Department extends an invitation not just to those who want to learn more about cardiac resuscitation, but to all those who cared about Dr. Kerber and want to come and celebrate the lasting influence he made on his profession. We hope you’ll join us.