Dr. Albert Oberman

Widely considered one of the world’s foremost researchers on high blood pressure and heart disease, Dr. Oberman first served as a Lt. Commander with the U.S. Public Health Service studying the cardiovascular health of Naval Aviators before gaining global recognition for his work on the history and management of heart disease, writing over 200 published scientific articles and receiving many awards from all over the world for his cardiovascular epidemiology research. His research focused on blood pressure, blood lipids, and physical activity.

Al was born and raised in St. Louis, MO as the son of an immigrant shop-keeper and his wife. He obtained both his undergraduate degree and medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He later obtained his Masters Degree in Public Health at the University of Michigan.

After his military commitment and work at the University of Michigan, Dr. Oberman was offered a prestigious opportunity to work at the University of Alabama Medical Center. There, he ultimately established the Division of Preventive Medicine and served as its Director for more than 25 years before retiring and being designated Professor Emeritus. He served on the Advisory Council of National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and chaired a national task force on research in cardiac epidemiology and prevention. He held many roles in the American Heart Association and its Council on Epidemiology and Prevention.

Al Oberman was highly regarded for his unassuming yet forceful leadership, his innovation in preventive researches, and his excellence in teaching, mentoring, and administration. He largely set the mold for the expansion of heart research into microbiology and genetics at the University of Alabama Medical Center.

Outside of work, Al found joy in playing his banjo with the Birmingham Banjo Band, playing tennis and working in his garden. Albert and his beloved wife, Marian (who predeceased him), raised 3 children during their marriage of over 65 years. Dr. Oberman is survived by his children Steven (Evelyn), David (Barbara) and Karen; his 5 grandchildren (Rachael Oberman-Ellis, Dr. Benjamin Oberman, Allison Oberman-Cornelius, Dr. Robert Oberman, Katherine Ann Oberman-Rosser); and 5 great-grandchildren.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield, Missouri. In honor of Dr. Oberman’s lifelong dedication to helping others, the family requests donations be made to the Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr., Blvd; Birmingham, AL 35203.