Warren S. Grundfest, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Warren S. Grundfest, MD, FACS, was recognized internationally as an unparalleled scientist, surgeon, physician, inventor and biomedical engineer whose work in minimally invasive surgery improved and saved the lives of countless patients. He was also celebrated for his pioneering work in laser research and development as well medical ethics at a national policy level.

After Dr. Grundfest earned his Bachelors of Science degree from Swarthmore College (1974), he studied Neurophysiology and Biochemistry with the Nobel Laureate Dr. Eric Kandel at Columbia University (1774-76) and received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (1980). Dr. Grundfest conducted his internship and general surgery residency at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) (1980-82) and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (1983-85). After serving for many years as a physician and surgeon, Dr. Grundfest was awarded the Dorothy and E. Phillip Lyon Endowed Chair in Laser Research and Development (1991–2001) at Cedars-Sinai. Early in his career, Dr. Grundfest was best known for his cutting edge work on the excimer laser for medical applications… Continue to his obituary.

Professor Grundfest has been appointed to the FDA Science Advisory Board, to serve on the Subcommittee for the Center for Devices & Radiological Health (CDRH). This prestigious Committee provides scientific advice and reviews regulatory science issues and programs of the FDA. The panel provides input directly to the Director of the Food and Drug Administration, and the panel’s recommendations assist the Director in formulating FDA policy.

Professor Grundfest’s research investigates the applications of terahertz imaging, laser-based destruction of bacteria, and artificial muscles within a medicinal context. He is particularly interested in the development of laser applications, to improve patient care and outcomes for cardiovascular, ophthalmologic, orthopedic, urological, and neurosurgical surgeries. Currently, he is investigating “optical biopsy techniques” in relation to the prospect of minimally invasive surgery.

Professor Grundfest is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the International Society for Endovascular Surgery. He also holds the position of Chair in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s (AIMBE) Council of Societies.