Herbert and Shirley Semler

Putting their heart institute in the right place

During more than 50 years as a prominent Portland cardiologist and prolific medical device inventor, OHSU alumnus Herbert Semler, M.D., and his wife, Shirley, have contributed significantly to the cardiovascular health of people in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Always innovating, Dr. and Mrs. Semler have recently discovered a new way to spread their passion for heart health in partnership with OHSU. With the couple’s generous irrevocable commitment of $2 million, OHSU will establish the Shirley and Herbert Semler Cardiovascular Institute for Education and Prevention.

The institute’s powerful mission: to promote optimal cardiovascular health through education, prevention and cutting-edge research.

Once established, the institute will be led by Sanjiv Kaul, M.D., head of OHSU’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Kent Thornburg, Ph.D., director of the OHSU Heart Research Center, will serve as assistant director. Dr. Semler will serve in an advisory capacity for the institute.

The couple’s gift honors Mark Richardson, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the OHSU School of Medicine.

“The Semlers have made a visionary gift. We are privileged to work with donors with such deep knowledge and commitment.”
– Sanjiv Kaul, M.D.