Living Legends: Stuart Rich, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
This webinar is part of the Living Legends in PH: History & Personal Perspectives series, which takes place bi-monthly on the second Thursday at 16:00 GMT/BST. Each session features individuals who have made major contributions to the field of pulmonary hypertension, sharing both their science and personal stories with the global PH community. Sessions include a senior and junior facilitator who introduce the speaker and lead the discussion.
In this session, Stuart Rich reflects on a career dedicated to transforming our understanding and treatment of PH. Drawing on decades of clinical leadership and research, he explores how early registries, rigorous investigation, and patient-centred care helped define the modern era of PH management.
The discussion highlights landmark contributions, including leadership of the first NIH Registry on Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and the development of treatment strategies that reshaped clinical practice. Stuart Rich also shares insights into the evolution of PH therapies – from anticoagulants and calcium channel blockers to prostacyclins – and reflects on the importance of persistence, collaboration, and mentorship in advancing the field.
Meet the Living Legend
Stuart Rich
Dr. Rich has a career interest in understanding the causes and treatments of pulmonary hypertension. He was principle investigator for the NIH Registry on Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, the first of its kind, and has been the leader of the largest clinical center in the USA for evaluating and treating patients with pulmonary hypertension since 1980. Dr. Rich has conducted pioneering research on the molecular mechanisms, epidemiology, clinical presentation, natural history and treatments of the disease. This knowledge has lead to the discovery of more effective treatments for pulmonary hypertension, including the use of medicines like anticoagulants, calcium channel blockers, and prostacyclins. His pioneering research has led to a greater understanding of all types of pulmonary hypertension
This PVRI webinar was hosted live on 12 February 2026, 16:00 GMT.