In Memoriam: Sharon Reimold
Sharon Coplen Reimold, M.D., M.S., a Professor in the Division of Cardiology, Vice Chair of Clinical Operations, and Vice Chair of Faculty Development , died after a brief hospitalization on Wednesday, Nov. 13. She was 65.
A national leader in the field of cardiology and cardiac imaging, and a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in medicine and science, she held the Gail Griffiths Hill Chair in Cardiology.
Recruited to UT Southwestern in 2000, Dr. Reimold served in progressive leadership roles in the Division of Cardiology and the Department of Internal Medicine. She was the Clinical Chief of Cardiology for 10 years before becoming Vice Chair of Clinical Operations in 2016. Among her numerous responsibilities, she oversaw the Department’s outpatient operation, which grew several-fold under her leadership. She was a strong champion of expanding access and maintaining outstanding outcomes. She worked closely with colleagues across the Department and Health System to implement processes that optimized workflows, promoted quality and safety, and improved patient satisfaction. Further, she helped to oversee the rapid expansion of the inpatient programs and ambulatory practices that followed the opening of Clements University Hospital.
Dr. Reimold had a deep commitment to furthering the careers of young faculty, launching numerous programs in the Department focused on faculty development and assisting other initiatives across the institution. In 2010, she became active in the Women in Science and Medicine Advisory Committee (WISMAC). Since 2017, Dr. Reimold served as Chair of the UT Southwestern Annual Compensation Equity Study, which aims to identify pay gaps between groups of faculty within their clinical subspecialties. She was a valued member of the Promotion and Tenure Committee, the UT Southwestern Medical Board Executive Committee, and the Faculty Awards Committee, among others.
Her contributions to the field were recognized with multiple honors, including the American Heart Association’s Women in Cardiology Mentoring Award (2019) and the Patricia and William L. Watson, Jr., M.D., Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine (2012).
Originally from Warsaw, Indiana, Dr. Reimold held a bachelor's degree in zoology and chemistry from Butler University in Indianapolis. She earned her medical degree and completed internal medicine residency training at Washington University in St. Louis. She then received fellowship training in cardiology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She also obtained a master's degree in health leadership from the University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to her recruitment to UT Southwestern, she was a member of the faculty at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where she held multiple leadership responsibilities, including Director of the Cardiology Fellowship Program.
Dr. Reimold married Andreas Reimold in 1990, during their fellowship training. He is now a Professor in the Division of Rheumatic Diseases. She is survived by her husband and their two children, Nicholas (Jillian) and Kimberly (Adrian); her mother Barbara; and her brother James (Lesa).
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Memorial contributions may be directed to UT Southwestern Medical Center, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888 or online at engage.utsouthwestern.edu.