Dr. John Lockwood Ochsner

1927 - 2018

World-renowned heart surgeon, Dr. John Lockwood Ochsner has died at the age of 91. He practiced medicine for 66 years at the hospital founded by his father, Alton Ochsner, and four other physicians in 1941. Friends, and thousands of patients whose lives he impacted, will dearly miss Dr. Ochsner. Up until his death he maintained his office and played an important philanthropic role for the hospital, including walking the halls and visiting patients. Ochsner was a pioneer in the development of modern open heart surgery in all areas from infants to the elderly. He popularized the internal mammary artery as part of the coronary bypass operation and convinced other surgeons that it would take longer but hold up better. Charismatic, and a well-known raconteur, his friends and family affectionately called him "The King of Hearts." During his career, Dr. Ochsner grew the heart transplant program at Ochsner Hospital into one of the largest and most respected in the country. But in his day, he also performed lung transplant and vascular surgery. Today the Ochsner Hospital has completed 950 transplants, and Dr. Ochsner performed a significant number of those operations perfecting early techniques. As an international medical leader, John Ochsner is the only heart surgeon to be president of three major medical societies, including the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (1992-1993), President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, and Chairman of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (1993-1995). He authored more than 300 papers published in leading medical journals. He earned his medical degree from Tulane University and completed surgical residencies at Baylor University Affiliated Hospitals and Texas Children's Hospital. He worked with famous doctors, Michael Debakey and Denton Cooley of Houston, both considered mentors and friends, before coming back to practice in New Orleans. Dr. Ochsner's legacy will certainly live on. He will be remembered by the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute (JOHVI), home to 50 cardiologists dedicated to providing unmatched care in the Gulf South. Over his career, Dr. Ochsner has received numerous rewards and honors, but one of his most prized was being asked to be Rex, king of Carnival in 1990. He also became known for his knowledge of carnival and his love for Mardi Gras traditions. He recently enjoyed the presentation of both of his granddaughters as Maids of the Rex organization. He was passionate about the city of New Orleans and was a recipient of the Mayor's Medal of Honor. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Lou Ochsner, his children, Dr. John Ochsner Jr. (Lori), daughters Joby Ochsner, Dr. Katherine Isabel Ochsner, and youngest son, Frank Ochsner. He is also survived by his sister Isabel Mann, and his grandchildren, Brooke and Kaelin Ochsner. Preceding him in death were his father, Alton Ochsner, his mother, Isabel, and his two brothers Mims and Alton Jr. John Ochsner had an enthusiasm for life that was awe-inspiring. He lived each day to the fullest as a member of a multitude of social clubs, the New Orleans Country Club, and the Stockfarm in Montana. He kept lifelong friends and as a result, he touched more hearts than he could possibly imagine. A private family service will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. A public Celebration of Life memorial service will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute. Ochsner Clinic Foundation, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, BH 607, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70121.