In Memoriam: Robert H. Bartlett, MD

Robert H. Bartlett, MD, a former professor in the Department of Surgery known as the "Father of ECMO," passed away on Oct. 20, 2025, after a long illness.

Bartlett was a visionary surgeon, scientist and humanitarian whose pioneering work transformed the fields of surgery and critical care. A native of Michigan, Bartlett earned his undergraduate degree from Albion College and his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his general and cardiothoracic surgery training at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and Children’s Hospital in Boston – where his groundbreaking work in cardiopulmonary support and artificial organs began.

In 1970, Bartlett joined the UC Irvine as assistant director of surgical services and director of the Burn Center, later becoming professor of surgery. During his decade at UC Irvine, he continued his innovative research to develop the artificial lung and refine extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). His landmark achievement came in 1971, when the first adult patient supported on ECMO survived – an event later documented in The New England Journal of Medicine. In 1975, Bartlett’s team successfully supported the first neonatal patient on ECMO, marking a historic milestone that would go on to save thousands of lives worldwide.

Bartlett returned to the University of Michigan in 1980, where he continued to advance ECMO technology and mentor generations of surgeons and scientists. In 1989, he founded the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), a global network dedicated to the advancement of extracorporeal support and education. Today, the ELSO Registry documents more than 200,000 lives saved through ECMO – a direct reflection of Bartlett’s enduring legacy and vision.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Bartlett was celebrated for his humanity, humility and mentorship. He was a member of the National Academy of Medicine, a recipient of the American College of Surgeons Jacobson Innovation Award, and honored with the American Pediatric Surgical Association’s Humanitarian Award.

Bartlett is survived by his wife, Wanda, and their three children. His impact on medicine – and on the countless patients and families whose lives were touched by ECMO – will resonate for generations to come. Both CHOC (now Rady Children's Health) and UC Irvine continue to carry forward Bartlett’s pioneering work in ECMO, saving lives each year in Orange County and beyond – a lasting reflection of his vision, compassion and innovation. Bartlett will forever be remembered as a pioneer, a teacher and a compassionate clinician whose work began here at UC Irvine and transformed the world.