Passing of Dr Jean-Philippe Collet

Jean-Philippe Collet, MD, head of medical cardiology at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 15, at the age of 59 years. The cardiology community, still in shock, mourns the loss.

“Cardiology loses a genius, and patients lose a beloved doctor…He was a mentor to us all, showing exceptional kindness. The void is staggering,” Michel Zeitouni, MD, PhD, interventional cardiologist in Collet’s department, told Medscape Medical News.

“I am devastated,” said Gabriel Steg, MD, head of cardiology at Bichat Hospital, Paris, France.

Internationally Renowned Cardiologist

Collet was internationally recognized for his pivotal role in discovering clopidogrel resistance polymorphism and his contribution to formulating European Society of Cardiology clinical practice guidelines in cardiology. He led extensive research, particularly on premature coronary disease, myocardial infarction in young patients, personalized antithrombotic therapy, and innovative approaches in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

“He leaves an immense scientific legacy that tangibly advanced medicine,” emphasized Zeitouni. “He was truly innovative, a brilliant mind working at an exceptionally high level. He conducted his research at the bedside for his patients.”

Dedicated and Compassionate

Grateful patients, “who adored him and showered him with gifts,” remember Collet as a dedicated physician deeply involved with his patients, said Zeitouni. “He knew everything about them, their hobbies, profession, and children.”

“He was very attentive, a true gentleman, always listening. He was genuinely kind in the most concrete sense. He had something unique that made us feel good. No matter where we came from, he knew how to listen. And because we felt accepted by someone so intelligent, we accepted ourselves better,” recalled Zeitouni. “How many times have I called him for difficult situations…But with his help, everything was resolved. He was bright, kind, and incredibly humble. He was a compassionate genius.”

Tributes

Jean-Philippe Collet is survived by his wife, three children, and a granddaughter.

On Monday, December 18, a memorial ceremony was held at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France.

Numerous condolence messages have flooded social media from the cardiology community in France and abroad. A collaborator with JACC Intervention since 2018, he was also a professor of cardiology at Sorbonne University, a member of the board of ACTION Coeur, and part of the GACI bureau.

With sadness, the entire Medscape Medical News team extends condolences to the family and loved ones of Jean-Philippe Collet, whom we will fondly remember. A longstanding contributor to our editorial team, he shared his expertise with extreme kindness and great humility.

This article was translated from the Medscape French edition.