A gold medal in the eights rowing event at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne marked an early achievement for Caldwell Blakeman Esselstyn Jr. Born in New York City in 1933, he transitioned from a competitive athlete at Yale University to a medical career that eventually focused on the relationship between nutrition and coronary heart disease prevention.
Medical Training and Service
Esselstyn attended Deerfield Academy before graduating from Yale University in 1956. He earned his medical degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1961. His clinical training included internships and residencies at the Cleveland Clinic starting in 1961. His military service included a tour as an Army surgeon in Vietnam, for which he received the Bronze Star. Upon his return, he resumed his duties at the Cleveland Clinic, later serving as President of the Staff and a member of the Board of Governors. In 1991, he served as President of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, eventually leaving his post at the Cleveland Clinic in 2000.
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As director of the Heart Disease Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic, Esselstyn advocated for an ultra low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet. His regimen excludes all animal proteins, byproducts, and oils, emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses. He detailed these findings in his 2007 book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, and later in The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook. He has also served on the Scientific Advisory Board of Nutrition Action magazine.
Public Profile and Critical Response
Esselstyn reached a broader audience through his appearance in the 2011 documentary Forks Over Knives and the 2018 film The Game Changers. His diet received increased media attention in 2010 when former U.S. President Bill Clinton adopted similar dietary changes. However, his work has faced scrutiny from within the medical community. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic noted that claims regarding the diet lack support from rigorous clinical trials. Additionally, Harriet A. Hall described the evidence as skimpy, while Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized that dietary changes alone cannot eliminate heart disease, citing other factors such as physical activity, blood pressure, and weight.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, New York City
- Education: Deerfield Academy, Yale University, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Olympic participation: 1956 Summer Olympics, gold medal in eights
- Notable book: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease (2007)
- Documentary appearances: Forks Over Knives (2011), The Game Changers (2018)
- Military award: Bronze Star
- Professional role: Director, Heart Disease Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic
- Award: Benjamin Spock Award for Compassion in Medicine (2005)
Questions readers ask
What specific foods does Caldwell Esselstyn recommend?
He recommends a plant-based diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses while excluding all animal products and oils.
Did Caldwell Esselstyn serve in the military?
Yes, he served as an Army surgeon in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star.
Achievements
- Notable work: Forks over Knives
- Fields: cardiology and whole foods
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