Eugene Braunwald, the "father of modern cardiology," remembered for pioneering heart-attack prevention and a lab scandal

Eugene Braunwald, widely called the father of modern cardiology, died at 96 on April 22. His career reshaped how doctors treat heart disease and he is celebrated as the most influential cardiologist of his generation.

Braunwald often spoke of two guiding visions. The first was to collaborate with scientists to turn theory into practical methods that prevent heart attacks and limit heart muscle damage once an attack begins. He succeeded in that goal, changing everyday medical practice and saving countless lives.

His second vision was derailed by a scandal involving fraudulent research in his Harvard laboratory. The mishandling of the investigation tarnished his record and forced the scientific community to confront research misconduct more openly.