Dr. John A. Hopps

Dr. John Alexander Hopps was a normal person like you and I. Only this person did extraordinary things. He is the father of Biomedical Engineering in Canada. Hopps invented the Pacemaker in 1950. He was also leader in the medical application of engineering science for half a century.

John Hopps was born in 1919 in Canada. In 1941 after training at the university of Manitoba as an Electrical Engineer he joined the National Research Council. In 1949 he became interested in hypothermia. In his extensive research he attempted to use radio frequency to restore body temperature, he made an unexpected discovery, he found that by using mechanical means the heart could be started again after it goes through a cooling process. With this discovery Hopps was able to invent the first Pacemaker in 1950. The device produced an electrical impulse to stop Ventricular Fibration.

Unfortunately in 1984 Hopps had to have a Pacemaker to regulate his heart. Thirteen years later Hopps had to receive a second Pacemaker because the first one lost charge and was showing signs of weakness. Hopps insisted that the Pacemaker was reaching the end of its life because problems were being detected. Hopps retired in 1979 but continued his writing on biomedical engineering while working with school children. He was also involved in his community. He served as President of the Ontario Heart Foundation. Hopps died on November 24, 1998.

John Hopps is my hero because he invented something that has saved a lot of people. One of those being my mother and i could not thank him enough. He made a discovery that has changed many lives. He gave them all another chance at life. Although I never got the chance to meet him, he was an incredible person. He has all the qualities of being a hero.

John Alexander Hopps was a wonderful person that did amazing things in his lifetime. His invention saved a lot of people in his lifetime including himself. It will continue to save lives for years to come. As time goes on, his invention will continue to get better. He is a true hero and should never be forgotten.