Announcing The Passing of Dr. John C. LaRosa

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Sep 23, 2025

15th President of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of John C. LaRosa, M.D., FACP, who served as the 15th president of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate) from 1999 to 2012. Dr. LaRosa was also a distinguished Professor of Medicine and Public Health.

Dr. LaRosa began his journey at Downstate in September 1999, retired five years ago, and held a concurrent and continuing voluntary appointment until his passing. During his tenure as president, he made several notable accomplishments, including establishing the School of Public Health, launching a biotechnology incubator, and expanding a biotech facility at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. He secured funding for the Public Health Academic Building, which now houses our School of Public Health, modern classrooms, conference rooms, research labs, and a Simulation Center.

During Dr. LaRosa’s tenure, Downstate’s capacity expanded to deliver advanced care by building new emergency services, modern labor and delivery facilities, and a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. His tenure also saw broadened patient services with specialized programs in Alzheimer’s and cognitive disorders, epilepsy treatment, and robotic surgery.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. LaRosa had a remarkable career before Downstate, including training at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston and a three-year tenure at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. His lifelong passion for understanding and treating atherosclerosis began during his time at the National Institutes of Health.

After leaving NIH, Dr. LaRosa joined the George Washington University (GWU) faculty, playing a pivotal role in establishing a Lipid Research Clinic. The clinic participated in significant clinical trials related to cholesterol-altering drugs and the impact of female hormones on blood fats and heart disease in pre- and post-menopausal women. While at GWU, he served as Dean for Clinical Affairs and Research. Dr. LaRosa also took a one-year sabbatical to serve as a Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

Dr. LaRosa earned international recognition for his pioneering research on statins and their role in addressing heart disease, cholesterol, hormones, and diet. He spearheaded the landmark Treating to New Targets Study, which enrolled more than 10,000 patients in 14 countries and provided definitive evidence of the clinical benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol. The study’s findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and widely covered in the media, coincided with his presidency and solidified his leadership in advancing cardiovascular research.

Dr. LaRosa joined Tulane University in 1994, overseeing the development of a Cancer Center and collaborating with the Louisiana State University Center for Gene Therapy Research. He also significantly increased research and philanthropic funding for the Schools of Medicine and Public Health, respectively.

Dr. LaRosa actively contributed to medical research throughout his distinguished career, authoring more than 250 peer-reviewed publications. Recognized nationally as an authority on cholesterol, he also served as a trusted voice for the public, providing expert commentary on programs including The Today Show, Nightline, and other broadcast outlets. He was a sought-after international expert, appearing on public affairs programs in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Europe.

Dr. LaRosa held leadership roles in noteworthy organizations, including chairing the first National Cholesterol Conference, leading the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee, serving on the FDA’s Advisory Committee on Endocrine and Metabolic Drugs, and serving on the American Heart Association’s Task Force on Risk Factors.

Dr. LaRosa is survived by his wife, Judie LaRosa, Ph.D., RN, a former interim dean and professor at Downstate, daughter Jennifer, son Christopher, and six grandchildren.