Dr. Walter Paulsen retires after more than 40 years

Revered faculty member advanced VCU Health's structural heart program

Walter Paulsen, M.D., retired from VCU Health at the end of 2021. Born in East Africa, he came to VCU in 1980 and was a dedicated and invaluable member of the faculty of the Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Cardiology, earning the position of associate professor in 1987.

During his over 40 years as part of the Pauley team, Paulsen was exceptional in providing patients with the highest quality cardiovascular care as exemplified by his clinical care in imaging, including advanced imaging during interventional procedures and the high-risk obstetrics clinic. He was pivotal to the creation, success and advancement of the VCU Health structural heart program as its lead expert imager.

In addition to his exceptional clinical work, his dedication to education was awe-inspiring, as evidenced by his multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards throughout his career. Paulsen was a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Royal College of Physicians in Canada, and as a researcher, he authored or co-authored more than 50 papers and abstracts.

The dedication of the Heart Station Reading Room in his honor captures his legacy as an extraordinary clinician, master echocardiographer and tireless educator.

Thank you for your years of dedication and incredible work, Dr. Paulsen!