Forrest H. Adams

Medical School, February 3, 2017

Forrest H. Adams, emeritus professor of pediatric cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is a pioneer in the field of pediatric cardiology. He received a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and his M.D. and pediatrics residency all at the University of Minnesota. He is best known for his research on the early diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease in infants, fetal heart and lung function, and the multiple physiological changes that occur at birth. He is credited with being a key contributor to the development of the University of Minnesota’s early pediatric cardiology program and is the founding director of UCLA’s Division of Pediatric Cardiology. Adams is the author of more than 200 scientific papers and 11 books. He is the co-author of Heart Disease in Infants, Children and Adolescents, which has been used worldwide, including by University of Minnesota pediatric cardiology residents. This pediatric cardiology textbook is still considered to be the gold standard. Adams’ leadership has been recognized by his election to many professional societies and institutional boards, including the American College of Cardiology, the Western Society for Pediatric Research, the Society for Pediatric Research, and the American Heart Association, to name a few. He is the recipient of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Founders Award (2000), and the University of Minnesota Medical Society’s Harold S. Diehl Award (2009).