Aram Van Chobanian: A Legacy of Academic Leadership and Medical Excellence
Aram Van Chobanian was a distinguished American academic administrator and cardiologist whose career spanned decades of service to medical education and university governance. Best known for his leadership at Boston University, Chobanian combined clinical expertise with administrative skill to guide one of the United States' most prominent educational institutions through a period of transition.
Key Facts
- Role: Ninth President of Boston University.
- Medical Specialization: Cardiologist.
- Major Honor: First recipient of the American Heart Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in Hypertension.
- Education: B.A. from Brown University and M.D. from Harvard Medical School.
- Lifespan: August 10, 1929 – August 31, 2023.
Academic Foundations and Medical Career
Born on August 10, 1929, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Aram Van Chobanian pursued a rigorous academic path in the sciences. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University before attending Harvard Medical School, where he received his Medical Degree (M.D.) in 1955.
As a cardiologist—a physician specializing in the study and treatment of heart disorders—Chobanian made significant contributions to the field of hypertension (persistently high blood pressure). His dedication to cardiovascular health was recognized on a national level when he became the first person to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Hypertension from the American Heart Association.
Leadership at Boston University
Chobanian's administrative ascent at Boston University began in the medical faculty. From 1988 to 2003, he served as the Dean of the Boston University School of Medicine, succeeding John I. Sandson and eventually handing the role to John F. McCahan.
His transition to university-wide leadership occurred in 2003 when he was appointed President ad interim (a temporary leader acting in the role until a permanent appointment is made). He stepped into this role following a period of instability where John Silber had reassumed the presidency on an interim basis after the resignation of Jon Westling.
In recognition of his effective leadership, the board of trustees voted on June 9, 2005, to remove the "ad interim" designation, officially naming him the ninth president of Boston University. His tenure as the official president was brief but impactful, concluding in September 2005 when he was succeeded by Robert A. Brown.
Career Summary Table
| Period | Position | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 1988–2003 | Dean | Boston University School of Medicine |
| 2003–2005 | President ad interim | Boston University |
| 2005 | Ninth President | Boston University |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Aram Van Chobanian serve as President of Boston University?
He served as President ad interim from 2003 until June 9, 2005, and then as the official ninth president until September 2005.
What was Chobanian's medical specialty?
Aram Van Chobanian was a cardiologist with a specific focus on hypertension.
Which medical school did he graduate from?
He earned his M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1955.
What prestigious award did he receive from the American Heart Association?
He was the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Hypertension.
Who succeeded him as the president of Boston University?
He was succeeded by Robert A. Brown in September 2005.