February 2, 2016

The School of Medicine announces with great sadness that Josef Rösch, M.D., founding director of the Dotter Interventional Institute and professor of interventional radiology, OHSU School of Medicine, died Jan. 17. 

Dr. Rösch's career at OHSU spanned more than 40 years. He helped build the Dotter Institute into an internationally-recognized center for research on interventional treatments and care for patients with complex vascular and nonvascular diseases. 

After founding the Institute in 1990, he served as administrative director for the first three years before becoming director of research. In 1995, he retired from clinical practice to concentrate on research and special projects, particularly tele-education and the mentoring of young staff members. 

"Dr. Rösch was a true legend in the field of interventional radiology. His impact, both at OHSU and internationally, will not soon be forgotten," said John Kaufman, M.D., M.S., director, Dotter Institute and Frederick S. Keller Professor of Interventional Radiology, OHSU School of Medicine.

A native of the Czech Republic, Dr. Rösch received his medical degree from Charles University in 1950. In 1967, after 16 years of work in radiology and angiography in Prague, he moved to the United States and spent most of his professional career at OHSU.

Dr. Rösch's award-winning research work covered a wide range of vascular and interventional radiology. Two notable achievements include the development of the TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) technique in 1969 and the introduction of embolization into the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding in 1971. OHSU established the Josef Rösch Chair of Interventional Radiology Research in 1995 to honor his unique legacy and many contributions to the field. 

An educational fund will be established at the Dotter Institute in memory of Dr. Rösch. 

The Dotter Institute will hold a celebration of life March 31 for the OHSU community and friends and colleagues of Dr. Rösch:

A time to share remembrances of Dr. Josef Rösch

Thursday, March 31, 4 to 7 p.m., Queen Marie Ballroom Mezzanine, Embassy Suites Downtown, Portland, Ore.

Donations may be made to the OHSU Foundation in his honor that will be designated for supporting the Dr. Josef Rösch Educational Fund. For further information, please email dotter@ohsu.edu.