• Albert Einstein
• Walt Disney
• Amelia Earhart
• Abraham Lincoln
• Dr. C. Walton Lillehei
• Deng Xiao Ping
• The Beatles
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Martha Stewart

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Dr. C. Walton Lillehei

In early years, Lillehei was an average student and didn't always excel.

Permission to Think of a Better Way

Who? Exactly! Some of the world's most important thinkers aren't exactly household names. If you know anyone who's had heart surgery, you have Dr. Lillehei to thank.

The Wright brothers' first flight was shorter than a Boeing 747's wing span. We've just begun with heart transplants. While other doctors had some success with heart surgery, Dr. Lillehei gave himself permission to think of better ways to operate on the heart (not so long ago, it was considered a major achievement to even touch the human heart.1) He helped develop many techniques that now save and lengthen lives every day, including the pacemaker and artificial heart valves. He wasn't shy with his thoughts! Dr. Lillehei passed them on-training doctors from all over the world.2

Dr. Lillehei's path to becoming a Great Thinker:

• Known as "Father of Open-heart Surgery."
• In early years, Lillehei was an average student. He didn't always excel. Eventually received 5 university degrees, including doctor. Proof that early educational success doesn't show how smart someone is.
• Worked in a MASH unit during WWII. Said that the medals he received were nothing compared to the sacrifices soldiers made.
• Pioneered many aspects of heart surgery. Always willing to use his great thoughts to find new ways of working on the human heart.
• He took risks! Many early surgeries didn't work out as hoped, but Lillehei knew that only by trying again and again do we find great success.
• Early disappointments always encouraged Lillehei to work harder and find solutions
• never gave up!

Learn more!
Browse these links for some ideas on how you can get started: degree programs in alternative medicine; online nursing degrees; physical therapy degree programs; and fitness and nutrition courses.

References:
1. http://collection.nlc-bnc.ca/100/201/300/cdn_medical_association/cmaj/vol-156/issue-4/0549.htm
2. http://www.lhi.umn.edu/cwaltonlillehei/default.htm