George Schimert, M.D., Acclaimed Pioneer Heart Surgeon

George Schimert, M.D., of St. Thomas USVI and Boothbay Harbor, Maine, died Dec. 7. Dr. Schimert, formerly of Buffalo, was the first full-time director of The Buffalo General Medical Center's Cardiac Surgery program. He was 82.

He was Chief Emeritus, Division of Cardiac Surgery at Buffalo General, and Professor Emeritus, Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo.

Dr. Schimert, who was born in Switzerland and lived in Budapest, Hungary, received his medical degrees from universities in Hungary and in Germany. He interned at Tampa Municipal Hospital and received further training at Emory University School of Medicine. As a resident fellow at University of Minnesota Hospital, Dr. Schimert trained with Norman Shumway, M.D., and Christiaan Barnard, M.D., as students of C. Walton Lillehei, M.D., in cardiac surgery, developing hypothermia techniques and an early version of the heart pump.

In 1957, Dr. Schimert performed the first open-heart surgery in Asia while establishing a thoracic surgery program for the Seoul National University of Medical College of Korea in partnership with the University of Minnesota Medical School. Upon returning to the U.S., Dr. Schimert completed his M.S. at the University of Minnesota.

In 1960, he began his career at Buffalo General Medical Center as the director of its Open Heart Program. With collaborative support from Ivan Bunnell, M.D., the late David G. Greene, M.D., Thomas Z. Lajos, M.D. and countless other physicians, technicians and nursing staff, the program began a series of innovations which placed Buffalo General as a leader in cardiac surgery. Among the innovations were double and triple valve replacements in 1963 and 1964, coronary artery bypass surgery in 1968.

"Dr. Schimert really was one of the early and great pioneers in the whole field of cardiac care nationally and internationally," said John Friedlander, Kaleida Health President and CEO. "The Western New York community was extraordinarily fortunate to have a leader with his intellect, energy and vision in our community for many, many years.

"He was a driving force in creating one of the leading volume cardiac surgery centers in the nation here in Buffalo. In addition, he was an educator and mentor for many who have gone on to start cardiac surgery programs in other parts of the country. He was truly a great man with a commitment, first and foremost to his patients, and to the profession of his medicine. He will be fondly remembered by all those whom he touched, but most of all by the patients whom he healed."

Dr. Schimert is survived by his wife of 45 years, Florence, and eight children.

The family will be present Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Amigone Funeral Home, 1132 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Grace Episcopal Church, 51 Colonial Circle. Contributions in Dr. Schimert's memory may be made to the Dr. George and Florence Schimert Lectureship Endowment Fund at the Buffalo General Medical Center or to a charity or organization of choice.