Tribute to John C. LaRosa, M.D., FACP
By Office of the President | Oct 7, 2025
I was saddened to learn of the passing of John C. LaRosa, M.D., FACP, 15th president of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University from 1999 to 2012. Dr. LaRosa was a respected Professor of Medicine and Public Health whose leadership left an indelible mark on Downstate, Brooklyn, and the broader medical community.
From the moment he arrived at Downstate in 1999, Dr. LaRosa brought vision, energy, and an extraordinary capacity to inspire those around him. His tenure as President was defined by transformation. He established the School of Public Health, created a biotechnology incubator, and oversaw the expansion of facilities at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. He secured funding for the Public Health Academic Building, which today houses our School of Public Health, research labs, conference rooms, and our Simulation Center. Under his leadership, patient care was enhanced through the modernization of emergency services, the establishment of a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the development of specialized programs in neurology, obstetrics, and surgery.
Dr. LaRosa’s influence extended far beyond infrastructure. His pioneering work in cardiovascular medicine and public health earned him international acclaim. He was recognized as a leading authority on cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, spearheading groundbreaking clinical trials, including the landmark Treating to New Targets Study, which shaped the global standard of care for lowering LDL cholesterol. His scholarship, spanning more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, was matched by his ability to communicate complex science to the public with clarity and conviction.
Dr. LaRosa was a remarkable academic and administrator. At his funeral service, I had the opportunity to speak about what I called Dr. LaRosa’s “superpower”—his ability to connect with people. Whether talking with students, faculty, patients, or policymakers, Dr. LaRosa possessed an uncanny ability to make each person feel heard, valued, and understood. This gift for connecting was more than a personal trait; it was a professional energy that advanced his work, enabling him to forge strong collaborations across disciplines, inspire trust in moments of challenge, and unify diverse voices in pursuit of shared goals. In every interaction, he modeled how empathy, humility, and respect can strengthen institutions and elevate the communities they serve.
Beyond his professional legacy, Dr. LaRosa’s humanity shone brightest. He will be remembered as a mentor, a builder, a healer, and a leader who believed that progress in science and medicine is inseparable from progress in human connection.
Dr. LaRosa is survived by his wife, Judie LaRosa, Ph.D., RN, a former interim dean and professor in our School of Public Health; his daughter, Jennifer, who followed in his career footsteps; his son, Christopher; and six grandchildren. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Dr. LaRosa’s life reminds us that authentic leadership lies in innovation, achievement, and the power of human connection. His legacy will continue to guide us at Downstate for generations to come.