A Brilliant Pioneer and Leader
Mark Josephson was a leader; not just a leader, but a brilliant pioneer leader breaking new ground in multiple areas of electrophysiology, including research, patient care and teaching. We were friends since his early days at Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, when he was working with Len Horowitz as his collaborator. I watched his maturation and contributions over the next 40 years in all three areas. His textbook is one of a kind: a single authored electrophysiology teaching gem that will never be duplicated. His teaching seminars with Hein Wellens, known for the Socratic method initiated by Pick and Langendorf many years ago, will also never be replicated. Mark’s most recent contributions to teaching have been a plea – a demand, really – to harken back to our roots as electrophysiologists, to teach and learn physiology, not just implantation or ablation procedures. I couldn't agree more.
So often our attributes become our failings, and Mark’s was his outspokenness. He never said things in a mean or vindictive manner, but always spoke his mind on a particular issue. Those colleagues fortunate enough to have known Mark had a friend in their corner for life. Those learners privileged to have taken his course or read his book had a teacher they will never forget.
Mark has left a legacy that will guide our specialty for many years to come.