1943 -

Biography

Mark Josephson, M.D. is a graduate of Trinity College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Class of 1969. He completed his Residency Training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, and Fellowship Training in Cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He is a product of the Staten Island - "Electrophysiology Big Bang" - spending two years as a research associate with Dr Anthony Damato at the Staten Island Public Health Service Hospital. It was during these years at Staten Island that he began his now nearly 30-year effort of advancing the field of cardiac electrophysiology. Seminal publications soon followed on the electrophysiologic basis and anatomic location of AV nodal reentry, and the substrate and mechanism for ventricular tachycardia in man. Working with surgical colleagues he developed the map guided sudendocardial resection to cure ventricular tachycardia. Time magazine referred to the procedure as the "Pennsylvania Peel" in honor of the success of this new intervention in arrhythmia management and the electrophysiology program that Dr Josephson led. With over 300 additional original publications authored by Dr. Josephson, there has been little in the field of cardiac electrophysiology that has been untouched by his efforts. One trainee summed it up when he stated "that if there were an EP Mount Rushmore, we would all recognize Mark Josephson's profile". Importantly, a pioneer's legacy is not only shown by his own accomplishments but in his talents as a mentor and the work/success of his trainees. Dr. Josephson authors the fundamental textbook in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. The text continues to be used as the guide for training the entire electrophysiology community - it is the Electrophysiology Bible and Chapter 3 - the equivalent of "Genesis". During his illustrious career at the University of Pennsylvania for 18 years and Harvard University's Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital for the last 8 years, he has inspired over 100 clinicians/scientists to pursue their dream of furthering the field. Their many discoveries in cardiac electrophysiology have been rooted in the fertile soil of Dr. Josephson's enthusiasm and wisdom. Undoubtedly, Dr. Josephson’s own productivity and the display of his mentoring talents will continue. His youthful character and love of the field will allow us to witness several more decades of academic achievement and further clarification of the yet unanswered questions in cardiac electrophysiology. His trainees will pass on his wisdom for generations.

Francis E. Marchlinski, MD

Interview Excerpts

Innovative work in ventricular tachycardia and the use of aggressive stimulation (Real Audio)

Collaboration and the importance of teaching (Real Audio)

The concept of AV node reentry (Real Audio)

Early work leading to entrainment mapping and concealed entrainment (Real Audio)

Excerpting from this interview:
Interviewer: Melvin M. Scheinmann
Date: June 20, 1996
Place: Nice, France
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