John Charles Longhurst MD, PhD

John Longhurst, MD, Ph.D., came to UCI in 1990 as professor of medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine. A cardiologist who specialized in cardiovascular disease and prevention, John was an NIH-funded researcher whose primary focus was investigating the neurophysiological basis of acupuncture. His work helped deepen the understanding of acupuncture as a clinical tool to help lower blood pressure and treat hypertension. As chair of the Department of Medicine, John was instrumental in adding the American Board of Internal Medicine Research Pathway program to integrate research and training for residents interested in developing skills as physician-scientists.

Many current members of our internal medicine faculty have benefitted from participation in this track. In 2003, he became the director of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, merging his clinical commitment to prevention and wellness with his research interests. An excellent clinician and researcher of distinction, John will perhaps best be remembered as a committed and thoughtful mentor whose influence touched undergrads, graduate students, residents, and fellows as well as staff and faculty colleagues.