Frank Marcus, MD, professor emeritus of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, passed away at the age of 94. 

Dr. Marcus was a pioneer in cardiovascular research and heart health. His impressive career with the Sarver Heart Center led him to understand the root causes of many heart problems, which led him to become a public health champion and a longtime supporter of the UArizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Dr. Marcus realized that public health education could change behaviors and improve health for so many patients, so he provided the funding and direction to establish the Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative in collaboration with the Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Among his many honors and awards, Dr. Marcus has received the Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching at Georgetown University College of Medicine, the Award of Excellence from the cardiology section of the UArizona College of Medicine, the Laureate Award from the American College of Physicians, the Outstanding Reviewer Award of the American College of Cardiology, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Boston University School of Medicine, the Masters Clinician Award from the American Heart Council on Clinical Cardiology and, most recently, the Pioneer in Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology Award from the Heart Rhythm Society and the Outstanding Achievement Award from the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society.

Dr. Marcus’s dedication to mentoring young physicians was evident by the amount of time he spent at the bedside teaching his fellows, covering all aspects of clinical practice, from detailed physical examinations to complex arrhythmias. His commitment to medical education also is evidenced by the Samuel and Edith Marcus Visiting Professor in Cardiology, which he and his siblings established in his parents’ names in 1997 to support yearly visiting professorships at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson.

The College of Medicine – Tucson, the Sarver Heart Center and the Zuckerman College of Public Health are planning a memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Frank Marcus at the Health Sciences Innovation Building on Monday, Feb. 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more.