Sculpture honoring Dr. Cohen unveiled
Dr. Sheldon E. Cohen was honored posthumously on Dec. 7 when a sculpture commissioned by local artist Chris Sorenson was unveiled in front of Dr. Cohen’s family, friends and colleagues at Community Regional Medical Center.
Community Medical Foundation officials said the four-foot sculpture, an anatomical heart in the hands of a surgeon, was made possible by contributions to the Sheldon E. Cohen Memorial Fund.
Dr. Cohen was the founder of cardiovascular programs at Community and a pioneer in open-heart surgery in the Central Valley. A cardiac surgeon for more than 20 years, Dr. Cohen performed roughly 3,000 surgeries. He dedicated his career to the development of Community's cardiac programs.
“Recognizing this outstanding surgeon – who gave so much to so many – is just a small way to thank him on behalf of all the lives he touched,” said Jan Paul, foundation senior development officer.
Dr. Cohen’s wife Joanne Cohen, daughters Heather and Amy and son Robert unveiled the sculpture, titled “Cohen’s Love.”
Scott Wells, Community’s vice president for physician services/new ventures, spoke to the guests, including nurses and clinical staff who worked side-by-side with Dr. Cohen in the hospital. Dr. Steve Lipnik, Mike Barber and others who worked with Dr. Cohen traveled to Fresno for this event to honor their friend.
The sculpture inscription reads:
In memory of Sheldon E. Cohen,
physician - cardiac surgeon - visionary
pioneer- leader - educator - friend
A reception followed on the second floor surgical unit where guests were able to see the doorway lettering leading into the cardiac surgical suites that now reads, “Sheldon E. Cohen Cardiac Surgery Pavilion.”
This story was reported by Eddie Hughes. He can be reached at eddieh@communitymedical.org.