Bernard Lown

About the Author

Bernard Lown is a renowned cardiologist, inventor, and humanitarian whose groundbreaking work has profoundly influenced modern medicine and global peace efforts. Born in Lithuania and educated in the United States, Lown developed the external defibrillator, a life-saving device that revolutionized cardiac care and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985 as co-founder of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. Throughout his career, he has advocated for compassionate, patient-centered healing, emphasizing the human elements often overlooked in contemporary medical practice. In his acclaimed book, The Lost Art of Healing: Practicing Compassion in Medicine, Lown draws on decades of clinical experience to critique the dehumanizing trends in healthcare and champion empathy as essential to true recovery. His writings blend scientific insight with profound ethical reflections, inspiring generations of physicians to prioritize the art of healing over mere technical proficiency.