Dr. William E. Cohn, renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and medical innovator, has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award. Established in 1999 by Medtronic, Inc., the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding scientific contributions to the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Dr. Cohn’s groundbreaking work and tireless dedication have significantly enhanced the practice of cardiothoracic surgery and improved patients’ quality of life.

Named after Earl Bakken, one of the co-founders of Medtronic who developed the first wearable artificial pacemaker, the award is an esteemed recognition within the medical community. Recipients are selected by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Nominating Committee. With a cash prize of $10,000 accompanying the honor, Dr. Cohn joins an illustrious list of past recipients, including eminent figures such as Drs. Denton A. Cooley, Joel D. Cooper, and Valerie W. Rusch.

Dr. Cohn’s contributions to the field of cardiothoracic surgery are numerous and varied. At The Texas Heart Institute, he was intimately involved in the development of the continuous-flow, totally implantable, artificial heart and in 2011, when Dr. Cohn and Dr. O.H. Frazier successfully implanted the first pulseless total heart replacement device in a human patient.  Medical device development remains his passion and he has been granted more than 90 U.S. patents or patents pending for his medical innovations that have provided the core technology for six venture-backed medical start-ups.

As recognized by this award, Dr. Cohn is widely regarded as a thought leader within his field. His expertise in mechanical circulatory support and minimally invasive cardiac surgery has earned him national and international recognition. He has been a driving force in the development and training of a new generation of surgeons, highlighting the importance of innovation and creativity in improving patient outcomes.

His dedication to improving the lives of patients and his trailblazing efforts in medical device development have truly shaped the landscape of modern cardiac care and will undoubtedly continue to do so.

On receiving the award, Dr. Cohn expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an incredible honor to receive the Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award. This recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation, and taking risks in advancing the field of cardiothoracic surgery. I am humbled and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible for the benefit of our patients.”