The following message was sent to members of the Department of Medicine from chief of the Division of Cardiology Manesh Patel, MD and Kathleen Cooney, MD, MACP, chair of the Department of Medicine.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Professor of Medicine Robert "Jess" Peter, MD, who died on March 7, 2026. Dr. Peter was a pioneering figure in interventional cardiology.
Dr. Peter was a foundational member of the Duke community and an internationally recognized leader whose contributions helped shape the field. He began his academic and medical career at Duke University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957 and completing his medical degree at the Duke University School of Medicine in 1961.
His early career included training at Duke University Medical Center and Yale–New Haven Medical Center, experiences that set the stage for an extraordinary trajectory in cardiovascular medicine. He served in the U.S. Navy at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, where he directed the cardiopulmonary laboratory and attained the rank of lieutenant commander. At Duke, he served as associate director of the Cardiology Laboratory at Duke University Medical Center and as professor of medicine from 1980 until his retirement in 2005.
Over more than three decades in the Duke cardiac catheterization laboratories, Dr. Peter mentored generations of cardiologists, many of whom now lead programs across the country. He was known not only for his technical expertise and pioneering spirit but also for his humility, warmth and dedication to patient care. Dr. Peter received the Eugene Stead Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Thomas M. Bashore, MD, Teaching Award from Duke Cardiology Fellows. In his honor, the Warren S. Newman Fellowship in Cardiology Endowment Fund was established.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Peter cherished his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Peter, RN, PhD, and children Jon, William and Jennifer. As a valued member of the Duke community, his legacy is enduring. His impact on Duke and the field of cardiology will continue to guide and inspire us.
A memorial service will be held this spring, with details to be shared when available.
Our thoughts are with Dr. Peter’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.