The interventional cardiology community is mourning the loss of Prof Anthony “Tony” Gershlick, MBBS, who died November 20 of COVID-19. He was 69.
Gershlick was a “talented, dedicated and much loved colleague,” reads a statement issued by the University of Leicester, where he was affiliated for more than three decades.
Gershlick, a consultant cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital and professor of interventional cardiology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom, passed away in the intensive care unit of the hospital where he worked.
Prof Nishan Canagarajah, president and vice-chancellor, University of Leicester, said Gershlick “left an indelible mark on the life of the University. He will be remembered with great affection by all and will be sorely missed.”
In 2017, Gershlick was honored with the inaugural British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) Lifetime Achievement Career Award for his “outstanding contribution to the specialty of coronary intervention.”
Gershlick was a pioneer in the field of percutaneous coronary intervention. He was the first UK cardiologist to implant a drug-eluting stent and a bioabsorbable stent, according to an article in the European Heart Journal.
Throughout his career, Gershlick had been involved in “practice-changing” research that changed the way patients are treated and led to national and international guidelines. He was the UK lead for more than 10 international trials, the university said.
“Tony was determined to push the boundaries of clinical care, to make a difference for his patients, and indeed, patients around the world,” said Prof Philip Baker, DM, FMedSci, head of the College of Life Science, University of Leicester.
Andrew Furlong, medical director at the University Hospitals of Leicester, noted that Gershlick was “deeply committed to the training and development of junior doctors and registrars and known for his dedication to his field and his patients. He made a difference to many, many lives.”
According to the university, Gershlick had been working in non-COVID environments since April and was doing much of his work via virtual consultations. He took on cases from other consultants to help during the pandemic and had been working “tirelessly” to provide continuing care to cardiology patients.
The news of Gershlick’s passing prompted an outpouring of sadness and remembrances of him on Twitter.
Tragic news – a pioneer of PCI, acclaimed academic, brilliant teacher & most of all incredibly approachable & great fun socially. Condolences to his family – we will hang onto our fond memories of him & many of us will shed 😪 on this sad day
— Dr Peter O'Kane (@DrPeterOKane) November 20, 2020
I heard this morning and Sad / Shocked. Tony is one of the biggest names in IC from UK and his passion for field unmatched. Met him as a trainee over dinner and was struck by how incredibly kind he was. We have lost a giant and a good man in UK RIP @agershlick
— Mamas A. Mamas (@mmamas1973) November 20, 2020
I have no words. I loved Tony. He was brilliant, always right on, determined, and dedicated. His commentaries priceless. 😢😢😞😞He will be sorely missed. RIP dear Tony 🙏
— Dr Roxana Mehran (@Drroxmehran) November 20, 2020
'Tony was directly involved in every major advance in coronary intervention and his influence as a key opinion leader extended around the world.' https://t.co/PouGw6ho1p https://t.co/TEgTBDn5qD
— BCS President (@BcsPresident) November 20, 2020
I am shocked and utterly devastated by this news.
Tony and I were just talking a couple of weeks ago about life outside of medicine and his love of playing jazz saxophone.
I had worked with Tony for 3 decades and he deftly led his British sites.
I am absolutely speechless. https://t.co/tAvcMSBfQh
— C. Michael Gibson MD (@CMichaelGibson) November 20, 2020