Kolff, Willem J., MD. Ph.D.

Dr Kolff was born in Leiden, Holland in 1911. Dr Kolff received his M.D. from the State University of Leiden in 1938 and his Ph.D. from the State University of Groningen in 1946. Dr Kolff was Assistant in Pathology and Anatomy at the State University in Leiden 1934-1936; Assistant in Medicine at the State University in Groningen 1938-1941 and Head of the Department in Munich Hospital, Kampen, 1941-1950. Dr Kolff was Professor of Clinical Investigation at the Education Foundation, Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1950-1967. Dr Kolff came to the University in 1967 as Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Artificial Organs which he headed from 1967-1986. Dr Kolff was Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Surgery and Research. Dr Kolff conducted research in kidney transplantation, application of heart and lung machines and development of the artificial heart and was known as the "father" of artificial organs. Dr Kolff received nine honorary doctorates and was the winner of numerous international awards. Dr Kolff died in 2009. The portrait of Dr Kolff was painted by Alvin L. Gittins in 1980, and is located on the south wall on the main floor portrait gallery of the Eccles Health Sciences Library.