Willem Johan Kolff

Doctor

Birthday February 14, 1911

Birth Sign Aquarius

Birthplace Germany

DEATH DATE Feb 11, 2009 (97)

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About

Physician who replicated the function of kidneys through the world's first dialysis machine.

Before Fame

While fighting in the Dutch Resistance during World War II, he built the first artificial kidney.

Trivia

He built the first dialysis machine with parts scavenged around from the war, and even included part of a wrecked German fighter plane.

Family Life

He had five younger brothers.

Associated With

Renee Laennec was another physician whose invention, the stethoscope, helped to advance the practice of medicine.