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Dr. Hill’s legacy includes developing life-saving technologies such as the first successful use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) — artificial lung support — and the early, successful use and development of cardiac assist devices as a bridge to transplant. His contributions have made a life-changing difference for thousands of people.

In 2018, Dr. Hill established the Donald Hill Family Postdoctoral Fellowships at �������. These fellowships recognize the collaboration and financial resources needed to begin a postdoctoral career. They are awarded to academics pursuing research in three disciplines; medicine, computer science and engineering, and the humanities

During �������’s annual Alumni Days, Dr. Hill received the 2025 ������� Golden Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his remarkable contributions to medicine and medical research. 

How did you first become interested in the technological aspect of medicine?

I can provide a lot of examples, but one example, in the late 1960s, an operation called an aortic coronary bypass was developed. Part of the process involves cutting a round, perfect five-millimeter hole in the aorta. Previously, you would take the blade and try to cut a hole, and it would be a little ragged. I realized there had to be a better way.

I thought of my mother, who was a master weaver. She and I would go to craft fairs, where there would be a lot of different craftspeople, including leather workers. I'm looking at how to make a uniform hole and I'm remembering those leather punches. I modified it and called it an aortic punch and got it patented. It is still used today, over 400,000 times a year. 

Then, in 1976, after successfully working with ECMO and left-ventricular assist devices, I started an artificial heart business, Thoratec Laboratories. 

What was the motivation behind establishing the Donald Hill Family Postdoctoral Fellowships?

I started the fellowships after I had attained a level of success, and I was beginning to recognize what a great experience I had at Dal and that my education in total only cost $2,500. I realized I should consider giving back and do so in a way that would allow young people to grow. 

It had been my observation that a lot of post-docs had a hard time establishing themselves after they had spent 15 or 20 years in training. I wanted to give them an opportunity to not have to worry about their finances for three years and receive a full salary while they worked. I know it takes more than one year to create a career; it takes at least three years. 

What has been rewarding about seeing your impact at work at �������?

It’s a lot of fun. I find it so enjoyable to talk with the fellows, learn from them, and watch them learn from each other. They are always amazed by how much they learn from one another. They meet and talk about their research and discover their research areas intersect or inform each other’s work. 

Academics shouldn't be locked in a closet trying to do it all on their own. They need to open the doors and work together, and it’s amazing to see that in action. —Dr. Don Hill