Caldwell Esselstyn | |
|---|---|
 Esselstyn in May 2019 | |
| Born | (1933-12-12)December 12, 1933 (age 91) |
| Alma mater | Yale University (AB, 1956) Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (MD, 1961)[1] |
| Known for | Forks Over Knives |
| Spouse | Ann Crile |
| Children | 4, includingRip Esselstyn[2][3] |
| Awards | Gold Medal, 1956 Olympic Games –Men's eight |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Cardiology Plant-based diet |
| Institutions | Cleveland Clinic |
| Website | www |
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men'srowing | ||
Representingthe United States | ||
| Olympic Games | ||
 | 1956 Melbourne | Men's eight |
Caldwell Blakeman Esselstyn Jr. (born December 12, 1933)[1] is an American physician, author and former Olympicrowing champion.
Esselstyn is director of the Heart Disease Reversal Program at theCleveland Clinic.[4] He is also the author ofPrevent and Reverse Heart Disease (2007), in which he argued for a low-fat,whole foods,plant-based diet that recommends excluding all animal protein and byproducts.
Esselstyn was born inNew York City in 1933 to Dr. Caldwell Blakeman Esselstyn Sr. and Lilian Meyer.[1]
Esselstyn graduated fromYale University in 1956,[5] where he was a member ofSkull and Bones.[6] He also competed in the1956 Summer Olympics inMelbourne, winning a gold medal in the "eights" as a member of the American team.[7]
Esselstyn received his M.D. from theCase Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1961. During this time he met and married Ann Crile, daughter of surgeonGeorge Crile, Jr, who was a leading figure in the United States in challenging unnecessary surgery, best known for his part in eliminatingradical breast surgery and the granddaughter ofGeorge Washington Crile, founder of theCleveland Clinic.[8] Esselstyn was an intern (1961–62) and resident (1962–66) at that clinic.[1] In 1968, he completed a tour as an Army surgeon in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star.[1] Upon his return he rejoined the clinic and has served as the President of the Staff and as a member of its Board of Governors. He served as the President of theAmerican Association of Endocrine Surgeons in 1991. In 2000, he gave up his post at the Cleveland Clinic.[9]
Esselstyn has served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board ofNutrition Action magazine, published by theCenter for Science in the Public Interest.[10]
Esselstyn promotes a whole foods, plant-based diet, arguing it can preventcoronary disease andcardiovascular disease. The diet excludes all animal products and oils and recommends foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains,pulses, and especiallycruciferous vegetables.[9]
His work received media attention when former U.S. PresidentBill Clinton cited it, along with work byDean Ornish andThe China Study as the basis for his change of diet in 2010[11] and yet more in late 2011 when Clinton discussed his diet with CNN and other media outlets.[12]
Esselstyn was also one of the doctors featured in the documentary filmsForks Over Knives (2011) andThe Game Changers (2018).[13]
With regard to Esselstyn's claims, Nancy Brown, CEO of theAmerican Heart Association, said: "Diet alone is not going to be the reason that heart attacks are eliminated. Other key factors include physical activity, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight."[14]
Harriet A. Hall has written that the claims made by Esselstyn are misleading and that the evidence on which they are based is "pretty skimpy".[15]Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic said that his claims are unproven because there isn't data from rigorous clinical trials to support them.[9]
In 2005, Esselstyn received the Benjamin Spock Award for Compassion in Medicine (he was the award's first recipient), and in 2009 the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Cleveland Clinic Alumni Association. In 2010, he received the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame Award.[8]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Academics | |
| People | |
| Other | |
