Abnash Jain Obituary
WVU Heart and Vascular Institute and School of Medicine Mourn the Loss of Dr. Abnash Jain
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The faculty and staff of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute and the WVU School of Medicine are grieving the loss of Dr. Abnash C. Jain, a distinguished cardiologist and professor, who passed away on Monday, July 1, at the age of 88.
Dr. Abnash C. Jain was a towering figure in West Virginia’s medical community, particularly in the field of cardiology. “Dr. Jain was a monumental presence in West Virginia medicine and cardiology. I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him, witnessing the impact of his educational legacy through the dedication of his numerous trainees, many of whom have become leading cardiologists throughout our state and nation,” stated Dr. Vinay Badhwar, executive chair of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute.
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“The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute was founded on the principles established by Dr. Jain. We honor his legacy by continuing his mission to provide the highest quality care to the people of West Virginia.”
Dr. Jain joined the WVU School of Medicine in 1973, serving as a professor of Medicine and chief of Cardiology from 1979 to 2006. He earned his medical degree from Panjab University in India and completed his residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Albany Medical Center in New York. He later joined the faculty at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Jain was also a fellow of the College of Physicians, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Society of Cardiac Interventions and Coronary Angioplasty. His professional memberships included the West Virginia Medical Association and the American Federation of Clinical Research. Additionally, he served as governor of the American College of Cardiology for West Virginia and president of the West Virginia Heart Association.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Jain was revered by medical students, residents, and fellows. He received numerous accolades, including Best Attending Physician in Medicine, Clinician of the Year, and Distinguished Teacher at the WVU School of Medicine. In 2001, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award and received the Laureate Award from the West Virginia chapter of the American College of Physicians, as well as a Certificate of Excellence from the Coal Energy Coalition.
Before retiring, Dr. Jain established two funds at the WVU School of Medicine: the Prem and Abnash Jain Fund for Educational Excellence and the Abnash Jain Chair in Cardiology.
“Dr. Jain’s influence extends far beyond the classroom and clinic,” said Dr. Clay B. Marsh, chancellor and executive dean of WVU Health Sciences. “His compassion and kindness set a standard for patient care and created a sense of community that has touched many generations of Mountaineers.”
Dr. Jain is survived by his wife, Prem, two sons, and five grandchildren. The family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Hindu Religious and Cultural Center of Morgantown.
