A tribute to Dr John Newman

The PVRI joins the community of physicians, scientists, patients and their families in mourning Dr John Newman’s passing on the 20 February 2024. 

Dr Newman acquired expertise in the pulmonary circulation and its diseases at each stage of his training. After completing his fellowship in the Cardio Vascular Pulmonary Research Lab at the University of Colorado, Dr. Newman joined the faculty at Vanderbilt in 1979. Pursuing an initial serendipitous discovery of a family affected by what was then called “primary pulmonary hypertension” (or what we now know as pulmonary arterial hypertension), Dr Newman and Dr Jim Loyd spent nearly two decades searching for the genetic cause of heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH). This work led to the seminal discovery that mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2) gene underlie most forms of heritable PAH and even a portion of patients with idiopathic PAH. This discovery fundamentally changed how we understand PAH pathogenesis and risk. 

Dr Newman was a mentor to innumerable people in our organisation and was an enthusiastic supporter of and participant in PVRI scientific forms. Dr Newman was a strong advocate of the PVRI since its inception. He was one of the early Executive Council members, encouraged early career individuals in pulmonary vascular medicine to join and support PVRI activities, and supported the Pulmonary Circulation journal growth through his work with the Cardiovascular Medical, Research and Education Fund. 

Whilst we are deeply saddened by his loss, the PVRI is honoured to continue Dr Newman’s legacy by promotion of research, mentorship, advocacy, and community throughout the global pulmonary vascular community.