How Dr. John LaRosa Shaped Downstate’s Academic and Research Foundations

By Office of the President | Mar 3, 2026

The Downstate community recognizes Pascal James Imperato, M.D., MPH&TM, MACP, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, for his recent biographical tribute in memory of John C. LaRosa, M.D., FACP, Downstate’s 15th president. The article, published in the Journal of Community Health, examines how Dr. LaRosa helped shape the academic, research, and public health structures at Downstate.

Dr. Imperato describes Dr. LaRosa’s work as a clinician, researcher, teacher, and institutional leader. His impact is reflected in the programs and initiatives established during his tenure, which strengthened Downstate’s academic and research capacity during a period of institutional growth.

A central focus of the biography is Dr. LaRosa’s vision to create Downstate’s School of Public Health and the leadership he exercised to bring it to fruition. He proposed the School and advanced it during of significant internal debate, maintaining that prevention, population health, and policy were essential components of academic medicine. The School created a framework for connecting clinical care with community health needs and continues to produce scholarship grounded in the realities of Brooklyn.

Dr. LaRosa also made significant contributions to cardiovascular research. As lead author and principal investigator of the Treating to New Targets (TNT) statin trial, a landmark study in lipid management, he helped establish the clinical value of intensive lipid-lowering therapy. The findings influenced national cholesterol guidelines and preventive cardiology practice. Downstate’s role in that work reflected his leadership.

Beyond clinical and research contributions, Dr. LaRosa supported the development of biomedical research as part of Brooklyn’s economic growth. Under his leadership, the institution helped establish the Biotechnology Incubator and the BioBAT facility at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. in collaboration with Dr. Eva Cramer, who helped develop both centers and secure funding, these initiatives expanded research partnerships and strengthened the borough’s biotechnology sector.

Dr. Imperato places these accomplishments within the broader institutional and civic history of Brooklyn. The article underscores that Downstate’s current research capacity, public health programs, and innovation initiatives were developed through sustained leadership and long-term planning.

Dr. Imperato’s biography documents Dr. LaRosa’s contributions and their continuing relevance to Downstate and the communities it serves.

To read the full article, see: Imperato, P.J. John Charles LaRosa, M.D., FACP (1941–2025): A Visionary Physician Leader, Inspiring Teacher, and Transformative Medical Researcher. Journal of Community Health. Published online December 29, 2025. DOI: 10.1007/s10900-025-01547-6.

A Visionary Physician Leader, Inspiring Teacher, and Transformative Medical Researcher