Paul Zoll

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Paul Maurice Zoll

Paul Maurice Zoll (July 15, 1911 – January 5, 1999) was an American cardiologist and a pioneer in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. He is best known for his development of the defibrillator and the cardiac pacemaker, which have saved countless lives worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Paul Zoll was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1932. He then went on to receive his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1936.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Zoll trained in internal medicine and cardiology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. During World War II, he served as a medical officer in the United States Army, where he gained significant experience in treating cardiac conditions.

Innovations in Cardiology

Paul Zoll's most notable contributions to medicine include the development of the external defibrillator and the cardiac pacemaker. In the early 1950s, he demonstrated that external electrical stimulation could be used to restart a heart that had stopped beating. This work led to the development of the first external defibrillator, a device that delivers a dose of electric current (often called a counter-shock) to the heart.

In addition to his work on defibrillation, Zoll also developed the first cardiac pacemaker. This device uses electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart, providing a critical treatment for patients with arrhythmias and other heart conditions.

Legacy

Paul Zoll's innovations have had a profound impact on the field of cardiology and emergency medicine. His work laid the foundation for modern cardiac care and has saved countless lives. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research in 1973.

Personal Life

Paul Zoll was married and had three children. He continued to work and innovate in the field of cardiology until his death in 1999.

See Also

• Defibrillator
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Cardiac electrophysiology
• Arrhythmia
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Harvard Medical School