Elbert P. Trulock, MD

Elbert P. Trulock, MD, the Rosemary and I. Jerome Flance Professor of Medicine, is a recognized world expert in the management of lung transplant patients and a highly regarded clinical educator at Washington University School of Medicine.

A pioneer in the field of lung transplantation, Trulock was medical supervisor for one of the first successful lung transplants in 1988, performed at Washington University Medical Center. When the Lung Transplant Program was formally established later that year, he was its first director. Since that time, the program has performed more than 1,000 transplants, making it one of the world’s largest, and has achieved unrivaled clinical success. Colleagues report that Trulock is extraordinarily committed to the care of his patients and is much loved by them.

In his career, Trulock’s extensive scholarly publications include many seminal contributions, and his articles are among the most highly referenced in the field. Many of his protocols are now widely adopted in transplant programs worldwide — a testament to his enduring impact on the field.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Trulock is widely regarded as an expert clinical educator. He has trained many pulmonary physicians and serves as an outstanding mentor to cardiothoracic surgical fellows, teaching them the intricacies of pre- and post-operative management. He has been honored with the Clinical Teacher of the Year Award for the Washington University Medical Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Robert M. Senior Award.

Trulock earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Emory University in 1968, served five years in the Navy, then earned his medical degree from Emory in 1978. He then came to Washington University Medical Center to complete his medical training with an internal medicine internship and residency, pulmonary fellowship, and then chief residency. He joined the Washington University faculty in 1984 and became a professor in 1998.