Sir Thomas Lewis

Sir Thomas Lewis (http://www.aha.gr/Ventricular_electrocardiography/pnt-VentElec.ch01.hurs.html)

Sir Thomas Lewis was my great grandfather. He was a pioneer cardiologist and a dedicated clinical scientist. He devoted his life to medical studies to improve the lives of others, that is why he is a hero.

He was born in Cardiff, Wales, in December of 1881. At the age of thirteen, he was determined to be a doctor. With the exception of one year, he was home-schooled until he was sixteen. He then went to University College Cardiff, where he studied medicine. In 1902 he received his Bachelor of Science degree, with honours and medical degree with gold medal. At the age of 21, Sir Thomas Lewis published his first scientific article. Over his lifetime, he published hundreds of medical articles and many of books that continue to be used for studies today. He made significant contributions to the foundation of the study of the heart. He was drawn to the research because he believed that research in the laboratory and at the bedside of patients, would help solve many mysteries that physicians confronted when caring for cardiac patients. He was one of the most important physicians of his day.

Sir Thomas Lewis: Cardiologist (http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/226760/enlarge)

Sir Thomas Lewis went into great detail with the study of the heart. In 1906, he started his original research work on the pulse. He then began to study irregular heart action. He was only 27 when he founded the journal Heart and was its first editor; the journal still remains today. In 1909, he initiated a long collaboration with Willem Einthoven, a pioneer of electrocardiography. The received his first electrocardiograph machine in that same year. He began an intensive study on cardiac arrhythmias. He gained his own cardiographic department in the hospital and became the Honorary Officer in charge in 1910.

The most important thing is that he enjoyed what he did. He was so dedicated that it enabled him to make medical contributions far beyond any reasonable expectations. To be able to keep this up throughout his entire adult life must have brought him great satisfaction, knowing that he was making a difference in the world. He was internationally recognized for his expertise and his efforts. Thomas Lewis was knighted by the Queen of England in 1921 and, therefore, referred to as “Sir” Thomas Lewis for the rest of his life. He continued to work tirelessly on studies of the heart, pain and many other topics, until his death at only 63 years old. Sir Thomas Lewis died as a result of his third heart attack, in 1945.

There is no question that Sir Thomas Lewis dedicated his life to the world of medicine. He made so many medical discoveries and contributions that went on to save so many lives. Not only was he a pioneering cardiologist, he was my great-grandfather and a hero.