Gerbezius' Pulsus Mira Inconstantia and the First Descriptions of the Atrioventricular Block.

This article reconstructs the steps leading to the identification of the atrioventricular block, from its first descriptions to current studies, highlighting the roles of Arthur Keith (1866-1955) and Martin Flack (1882-1931), who contributed to establish the theoretic basis for electrocardiography.

James Herrick (1861-1954): Consultant physician and cardiologist.

In 1910, James Bryan Herrick published the first clinical and laboratory description of sickle cell anemia. Two years later, he published a case report on coronary thrombosis. Together, these case reports solidified his reputation as one of the premier diagnosticians of his generation. Now regarded as a central figure in the history of American medicine, Herrick played an integral role in the clinical adoption of the electrocardiograph and the professionalization of cardiology in the United States. Although a full decade passed before the medical profession recognized his clinical description of coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction, it has had profound implications for cardiovascular medicine and prevention over the past hundred years. As a consultant physician, Herrick advocated in favor of incorporating chemistry and laboratory evaluation into clinical practice.

The History of Home Cardiorespiratory Monitoring.

Home cardiorespiratory monitoring has changed significantly since it was first introduced in the 1970s. It has improved from a simple alarm system to a sophisticated piece of equipment capable of monitoring the patient's electrocardiogram, respiratory effort, and oxygen saturations. In addition, the indications for using a monitor have also changed. The home monitor was initially used to reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Although there were several studies demonstrating the reduction of SIDS rates in communities where apnea programs existed, none was a prospective, double-blinded study or had adequate numbers to be clinically significant. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics took the stance that monitors were not an effective way to reduce SIDS. However, when used appropriately, as part of a complete program (ie, the monitor is just one of many clinically based modalities), by a clinician with expertise in interpreting download tracings, home cardiorespiratory monitoring can be a useful, lifesaving, and economical tool to observe infants who are at increased risk of sudden death or increased morbidity secondary to intermittent hypoxia. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(8):e303-e308.].

Galen Wagner, M.D., Ph.D. (1939-2016) as international mentor of young investigators in electrocardiology.

This paper describes a substantial part of the international mentoring network of students and young investigators in electrocardiology that developed around Dr. Galen Wagner (1939-2016), including many experiences of his mentees and co-mentors. The paper is meant to stimulate thinking about international mentoring as a means to achieve important learning experiences and personal development of young investigators, to intensify international scientific cooperation, and to stimulate scientific production.