Morton Smart

American physician and medical researcher

Morton Smart (January 15, 1900 – December 10, 1980) was an American physician and medical researcher known for his pioneering work in the field of cardiology. He made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of heart disease, particularly in the development of early diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions.

Early Life and Education

Morton Smart was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of modest means. He showed an early interest in science and medicine, which led him to pursue a degree in biology at the University of Chicago. After completing his undergraduate studies, Smart attended the Harvard Medical School, where he earned his medical degree in 1925.

Career

Early Career

After completing his medical degree, Smart began his residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he focused on internal medicine. His interest in cardiology was sparked during this time, leading him to further specialize in the field.

Research and Contributions

Morton Smart in 1936

Smart's research in cardiology was groundbreaking. He was one of the first to use electrocardiography (ECG) as a diagnostic tool for heart conditions. His work helped establish ECG as a standard practice in diagnosing arrhythmias and other cardiac abnormalities.

In the 1940s, Smart developed a new method for measuring cardiac output, which greatly improved the accuracy of heart function assessments. This method became widely adopted in clinical settings and is still in use today.

Later Career

In the 1950s, Smart joined the faculty at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he continued his research and taught future generations of cardiologists. He published numerous papers on heart disease and was a frequent speaker at international medical conferences.

Legacy

Morton Smart's contributions to cardiology have had a lasting impact on the field. His work laid the foundation for many modern diagnostic and treatment techniques used in cardiology today. He was a mentor to many prominent cardiologists and his influence is still felt in the medical community.

Personal Life

Smart was married to Elizabeth Carter, a fellow physician, and they had three children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his passion for teaching and mentoring young doctors.

Related Pages

• Cardiology
• Electrocardiography
• Heart disease