It is with heavy hearts that we share the somber news of the passing of one of our esteemed former faculty members, Carol E. Rose, MD.
Dr. Rose embarked on her medical journey in 1978 at the University of Miami, defying norms and expectations as one of the few women among her peers, with the added distinction of being one of the more mature medical students at 33 years old. Her medical career led her to Pittsburgh, where she completed her residency at Mercy Hospital, now known as UPMC Mercy. After spending eight years at South Side Hospital, she worked at UPMC for 19 years. Dr. Rose assumed the role of director of electroconvulsive therapy anesthesiology and skillfully managed a dedicated team of seven physicians, providing invaluable anesthesia services to patients at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.
Her contributions extended far beyond the local sphere. Dr. Rose made indelible marks in the field of anesthesiology, actively engaging with both local and national medical organizations. She was deeply involved with the Allegheny County Medical Society and advocated for Allegheny County to have its own district in the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED). She ascended to the position of PAMED Trustee and Vice President and, in 2000, achieved the historic milestone of becoming PAMED’s first female President. Dr. Rose's leadership extended to the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists, where she served as President, as well as her role as a delegate to the American Medical Association and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. In 2010, she was elected as Chair of the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine. She retired from her clinical practice at this time to focus on this pivotal role.
Many of our longstanding team members have cherished fond memories of Dr. Rose, and her legacy will forever resonate within our institution. During this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all who had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Rose at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, as well as her beloved family and friends.