Ann Arbor, Michigan – Dr. Robert H. Bartlett, ‘Father of ECMO,’ Passes Away at 86
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is mourning the loss of Dr. Robert H. Bartlett, a pioneering surgeon and researcher who passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Known globally as the “Father of ECMO” (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), Dr. Bartlett’s contributions to medical science have saved over 100,000 lives worldwide. (ELSO)
Born on May 8, 1939, in Ann Arbor, Dr. Bartlett was the eldest of four children. His father, a surgical resident at the University of Michigan, instilled in him a passion for medicine from an early age. The family later moved to Akron, Ohio, where Dr. Bartlett spent his youth before returning to Michigan for his undergraduate studies at Albion College and his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. (Michigan Medicine)
After completing his medical education, Dr. Bartlett pursued general and thoracic surgery training at the prestigious Peter Bent Brigham and Children’s Hospitals in Boston. It was during this time that he began his lifelong dedication to improving life-saving technologies. In 1970, he joined the faculty at the University of California, Irvine, where he continued his research on extracorporeal life support systems. (Michigan Medicine)
In 1976, Dr. Bartlett and his team achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by successfully using ECMO on a newborn with severe lung failure. This achievement marked the first successful use of ECMO in a neonatal patient, laying the foundation for its widespread application in critical care. (Wikipedia)
Dr. Bartlett returned to Michigan in 1980, where he continued his work at the University of Michigan Medical School. He served as an active emeritus surgeon and professor, dedicating his career to advancing critical care medicine. His research focused on improving ECMO technology and exploring artificial organs to support patients with failing heart and lung functions. (Michigan Medicine)
In 1989, Dr. Bartlett founded the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), a global network dedicated to advancing ECMO technology and supporting healthcare professionals worldwide. Under his leadership, ELSO has been instrumental in saving countless lives and continues to be a vital resource in critical care medicine. (ELSO)
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Bartlett received numerous accolades, including the William E. Ladd Medal from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Medallion of Achievement from the American Surgical Association. His work has been recognized globally, and he has been a mentor to many in the medical community. (Wikipedia)
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Bartlett was known for his humility, compassion, and dedication to his patients. He was deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals, leaving a lasting impact on the field of surgery and critical care.
Dr. Bartlett’s passing marks the end of an era in medical innovation. His legacy will live on through the lives saved by ECMO and the countless individuals he inspired throughout his career. As the medical community reflects on his contributions, Dr. Bartlett’s influence will continue to shape the future of critical care medicine.
A private memorial service is planned for family and close colleagues. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization to support ongoing research and education in critical care medicine