Origins & Early Life

Caldwell Blakeman Esselstyn Jr. (born December 12, 1933) is an American physician, author and former Olympic rowing champion. Esselstyn is director of the Heart Disease Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic. He is also the author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease (2007), in which he argued for an ultra low-fat whole-food, plant-based diet that recommends excluding all animal protein and byproducts.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Esselstyn was born in New York City in 1933 to Dr. Caldwell Blakeman Esselstyn Sr. and Lilian Meyer. Esselstyn graduated from Yale University in 1956, where he was a member of Skull and Bones. He also competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, winning a gold medal in the "eights" as a member of the American team.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Esselstyn received his M.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1961. During this time he met and married Ann Crile, daughter of surgeon George Crile, Jr, who was a leading figure in the United States in challenging unnecessary surgery, best known for his part in eliminating radical breast surgery and the granddaughter of George Washington Crile, founder of the Cleveland Clinic. Esselstyn was an intern (1961–62) and resident...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 13th Dalai Lama — Contemporary (Died in 1933) (1933): Spiritual leader of Tibet who championed national independence and modernization.
• Adolph Caesar — Contemporary (Born in 1933) (1933): Acclaimed American actor known for his deep voice and Off-Broadway staple status.
• Akihito — Contemporary (Born in 1933) (1933): 125th Emperor of Japan; reigned during the Heisei era (1989-2019).
• Alexander I of Russia — Shared historical date (12-12 · Born) (1777): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• Alfred Werner — Shared historical date (12-12 · Born) (1866): Pioneering chemist who established the field of modern coordination chemistry.
• Amartya Sen — Historical peer (Born in 1933) (1933): Pioneering economist and philosopher known for welfare economics and social justice.
• Annie Besant — Historical peer (Died in 1933) (1933): Activist, writer, and Theosophist championing social reform and self-rule.
• Al Oerter — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, pioneering athletic consistency.
• Albert Ellis — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Pioneering figure in psychotherapy, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• A. A. Milne — Historical peer (Died in 1956) (1956): Celebrated English author, famed for Winnie-the-Pooh and children's literature.
• 1933 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1933
• December 12 (12-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 12