Henry Heimlich

Physician / Inventor

Dr. Henry Heimlich first practiced medicine in New York City, then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in the 1970s. A specialist in digestive disorders, Heimlich developed the "Heimlich Maneuver" in the mid-1970s as a way to save choking victims. Over time it became accepted by most medical professionals and is now commonly considered the best method. Heimlich has also trumpeted the maneuver as a way to save drowning victims, but in recent years there has been much controversy over its efficacy.

Extra credit: Celebrities who have been saved by the maneuver include Elizabeth Taylor, Ronald Reagan and Cher.

Dr. Heimlich also appears in our loop Who's What?, a list of common terms sprung from famous names.