Michael R. Bristow - In Memoriam
We are saddened by the loss of Michael R. Bristow, a pioneering leader in cardiovascular medicine and a valued Executive Committee member and Research Group Chair of the Heart Failure Collaboratory (HFC).
A transformative force in the field, he authored more than 450 scientific publications and played a central role in establishing beta-blockers as a life-saving, first-line therapy for heart failure—impacting and extending millions of lives worldwide. He also founded multiple biotechnology companies that advanced therapies for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
As a colleague, he was a friend and mentor to many, guiding dozens of fellows and junior faculty with generosity, encouragement, and extraordinary advocacy. Many of his trainees now lead the field—an enduring testament to his influence.
For those who knew him, he was the unassuming yet formidable castle on the hill—the rock upon which we leaned, and the safeguard of our growth. We all miss him dearly.
The HFC Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who embody the vision of the Heart Failure Collaboratory through their lifetime commitment to leadership in clinical trials and regulatory science.
We are incredibly proud to honor those with unmatched dedication and contribution to the heart failure field with the HFC Lifetime Achievement Award!
2025 HFC Lifetime
Achievement Award
We were incredibly proud to honor Dr. Maria Rosa Costanzo & Dr. Barry Greenberg with the HFC Lifetime Achievement Award! We cannot thank them enough for their unmatched dedication and contribution to the heart failure field.
Award Recipients
2025
Maria Rosa Costanzo, M.D. FACC, FAHA, FESC, FHFSA
Former Medical Director, Heart Failure Program, Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist, Midwest Cardiovascular Institute, Naperville, Illinois
2025
Barry Greenberg, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHFSA
Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist, Former Director, Advance Heart Failure Treatment Program, Professor of Medicine, UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, CA
2024
Norman Stockbridge, MD, PhD
Former Director, Office of Drugs, Division of Cardiology & Nephrology, Center for Drug Evaluation & Research, U.S. FDA
2023
Lawton Cooper, MD
Retired NIH, NHLBI (Former Medical Officer)
2023
Peter Carson, MD
Retired VAMC DC (Heart Failure Cardiologist)
2022
Ellis Unger, MD
Former Director, Office of Drugs (1), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. FDA