Robert Bartlett: Pioneer of ECMO and Albion College’s Distinguished Alumni

A Life Dedicated to Advancing Neonatal Care

Robert “Bob” Bartlett, class of 1960, left an indelible mark on modern medicine. His pioneering work in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a cornerstone of neonatal intensive care, saving countless infants whose hearts and lungs could not endure the stresses of early life. Bartlett’s career, spanning several decades and institutions, underscores a relentless commitment to turning scientific curiosity into life‑saving practice.

Early Years and Education

Born in 1939, Bartlett earned his undergraduate degree at Albion College, where his curiosity about biology and his knack for problem‑solving set the foundation for a career that would blur the lines between research and clinical application. After completing his pre‑medical studies, he pursued a medical degree and then specialized in pediatrics and cardiovascular medicine, a combination that would prove essential for the innovations he would later introduce.

Innovation in ECMO

In the early 1970s, the neonatal ICU operated on the premise that a patient’s own cardiopulmonary system had to be deemed fully functional before any intervention. Algorithms to support failing infants were rudimentary, often leading to irreversible damage or death. Bartlett identified a critical gap: the need for an external support system that could oxygenate blood while the infant’s lungs and heart rested. He developed the concept of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a system that extracted blood from the infant, oxygenated it outside the body, and returned it. This “bypass” approach relieved the overworked organs, allowing them to recover or, at the very least, survive the acute episode.

Leadership at the University of Michigan

In 1980, Bartlett moved to the University of Michigan, where he established the Extracorporeal Life Support Laboratory. The lab became a national hub, training nearly a hundred students, residents, and collaborators each year. Under his stewardship, the team secured 54 years of continuous grant funding, setting a record for sustained research investment in neonatal care. The laboratory’s data and expertise culminated in the founding of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization in 1989, a registry that lists over 100,000 ECMO cases worldwide. The registry remains an invaluable resource for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers alike.

Legacy and Honors

Bartlett’s contributions have earned him a litany of honors: the American College of Surgeons Sheen Award for Research, the Medallion for Scientific Achievement from the American Surgical Association, the Ladd Medal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and induction into the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Even the National Institutes of Health honored him through the Great Clinical Teachers Series. These recognitions underscore the breadth of Bartlett’s impact—from bedside care to global data collection.

Robert Bartlett and Albion College: A Symbiotic Relationship

While often celebrated for his work beyond Albion’s campus, Bartlett’s connection to the college remained strong throughout his life. He returned as the 2016 commencement speaker, where he was honored with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. He also played a pivotal role in shaping the student culture at Albion, being one of the founding members of the Charlie Brown Band. His collaboration with Charles Schulz, the creator of “Peanuts,” showcased his knack for bridging science with community engagement.

Early Influence at Albion

Bartlett’s formative years at Albion instilled in him an appreciation for community, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Albion’s liberal‑arts environment nurtured his curiosity, and the faculty’s emphasis on mentorship guided him from undergraduate to professional research. The educational philosophy that Albion champions—integrating rigorous academics with real‑world applicability—mirrored Bartlett’s own career trajectory.

Alumni Recognition

The college has a long history of honoring alumni who exemplify leadership and innovation. Bartlett’s receipt of Albion’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1970 and the subsequent award in 2016 reflect the lasting bond and mutual respect between the alumnus and his alma mater.

Impact on College Culture

Bartlett’s legacy continues to inspire Albion’s next generation. By hosting seminars on medical innovation, promoting STEM scholarships, and integrating clinical research exposure into the curriculum, Albion nurtures a pipeline of professionals who aspire to replicate Bartlett’s blend of research, clinical excellence, and humanitarian service.

Extracorporeal Life Support and Its Modern Relevance

ECMO remains a cornerstone of neonatal and adult critical care, but its application has expanded considerably since Bartlett’s initial demonstrations. Understanding the mechanics, current uses, and future directions provides insight into how his work continues to shape medicine.

The Mechanics of ECMO

ECMO employs a heart‑lung machine that removes blood via a cannula, filters or oxygenates it externally, and pumps it back. The two primary modes—veno‑venous (VV) and veno‑arterial (VA)—serve different clinical purposes. VV ECMO supports respiratory failure, whereas VA ECMO assists both the heart and lungs. Protocols for anticoagulation, cannula placement, and weaning are rigorous, underscoring that ECMO is a complex intervention requiring specialized training.

Current Applications

Beyond neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or severe pulmonary hypertension, ECMO is used in cardiothoracic surgery, severe sepsis, and COVID‑19‑related respiratory failure. The expanding indications highlight how Bartlett’s original concept proved versatile across age groups and disease states.

Future Directions

Innovations in membrane design, nanotechnology, and bioprinting aim to refine ECMO circuits, reduce complications, and improve integration with patient physiology. Bartlett’s early emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration continues to guide contemporary efforts, fostering partnerships between engineers, clinicians, and data scientists.

What Albion College Can Offer Aspiring Medical Innovators

Albion’s curriculum, research centers, and student culture create a fertile environment for those looking to follow in Bartlett’s footsteps. Below are key resources available to current and prospective students.

Programs and Research Centers

• Mechanical & Biological Engineering: Combine principles of engineering with biology to prototype or improve medical devices.
• Biomedical Sciences: Pursue research in physiology, pharmacology, and disease mechanisms, providing a solid foundation for clinical translation.
• Healthcare Innovation Center: Supports student projects bridging technology and patient care, offering mentorship and seed funding.

Support for Early Careers

Albion offers Centers & Institutes that connect students with faculty mentors, grant-writing workshops, and internship opportunities at leading hospitals. The college’s emphasis on diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments promotes a supportive network for underrepresented groups pursuing medical research.

Engage with Albion College Today

To learn more about how you can start a career in medical innovation, consider these next steps:

• Explore Albion’s application process to join a community that values hands‑on research.
• Schedule a campus visit to meet faculty and researchers directly.
• Request further information through the request‑info portal if you have specific questions about programs or scholarships.
• Connect with Albion’s alumni network to hear firsthand stories of graduates who have entered medical research.
• Follow Albion College on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on upcoming seminars and research breakthroughs.

Robert Bartlett’s career demonstrates the profound impact that a single innovator can have on patient outcomes worldwide. Albion College, through its rigorous academic framework and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, continues to nurture students who may one day develop the next life‑saving technology. Whether you’re a prospective student, an alumnus, or a professional in the medical field, integrating Albion’s values with your passions can help you contribute meaningfully to healthcare.