Peter J. Safar, MD: "father of CPR," innovator, teacher, humanist.

PETER J. SAFAR, MD, HAS SPENT HIS career giving life to people. Known as the “Father of CPR,” Safar is credited with helping create the first US intensive care unit and the first paramedic emergency service. His latest research focuses on developing “suspended animation for delayed resuscitation,” which is finding a way to protect the brain and heart of trauma patients in the field through therapeutic hypothermia. His innovative work in cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation alone would assure Safar an honored place in the annals of medicine. But his life-giving talents are not limited to medical practice and medical research. In his long career, his humanity and respect for people have enriched students, colleagues, and friends; he is a man whose caring soul is perhaps best reflected in his love of music. Safar summed up his philosophy during his February 28 honors convocation presentation at the University of Pittsburgh, where he has cared for patients, taught, and performed research for the past 42 years. “Humanism is more than Greek and Latin,” Safar said. “It should mean all that focuses on the goodness in Homo sapiens, ranging from the sanctity of human life, to an appreciation of the humanities. These include history, languages, literature, fine arts, music philosophy, the social sciences, and the physical sciences.” Medicine is a mix of art and science, he said. “Excellence in professional schools is promoted by the humanities, which make life exhilarating.”