Tribute to ‘dedicated’ cardiologist who died after contracting Covid-19

A ‘dedicated and well-respected’ consultant cardiologist has died after contracting Covid-19.

University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) said on Friday Professor Tony Gershlick, who worked as a consultant cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital and professor of interventional cardiology at the University of Leicester, died on Friday.

Professor Gershlick, who was 69, was being treated at the hospital where he worked before his death.

“Today we mourn the loss of a dear and valued member of our university community,” said Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester.

“Tony Gershlick was an extremely dedicated and well-respected member of our staff who left an indelible mark on the life of the university.

“His work has led to positive change in his field. He will be fondly remembered by all and greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Tony’s family at this time.”

Prof. Gershlick joined UHL in May 1989, starting work for the University of Leicester in December 2018.

Undertaking his first procedure in the mid-1980s, Professor Gershlick has been the UK lead for more than 10 international studies throughout his career and has attracted more than £3m of research funding from bodies such as The British Heart Foundation.

In 2017, Prof. Gershlick received the inaugural British Society of Interventional Cardiovascular Lifetime Achievement Award.

Andrew Furlong, Chief Medical Officer at Leicester Hospitals, said: “Tony was well known and respected locally, nationally and internationally.

“He made many significant contributions to the field of cardiology throughout his long career and was at the forefront of early work on coronary interventions and many significant research studies.

“He has been deeply involved in the training and development of junior doctors and registrars and is known for his dedication to his field and his patients.

“We all feel Tony’s loss and those colleagues who knew him well will miss his wise words and sense of humor.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues here at the university and throughout the cardiology community.”

The trust said there would be a minute’s silence for Professor Gershlick on Monday.