The Society of Mechanical Ventilation is honored to present those clinicians’ with the Society’s
“Masters of Ventilation Award” Hall Of Fame
Based on their career achievements and leadership in the field of Mechanical Ventilation
Martin J Tobin
Martin J Tobin MD is Professor of Medicine at Loyola University Medical School in Chicago. He graduated from the medical school of University College Dublin in 1975 and continues to work as a hands-on intensivist delivering bedside care to patients.
Dr. Tobin has conducted numerous research studies on mechanical ventilation, and invented the rapid shallow breathing index in 1991. By conducting experiments at the bedside of weaning failure patients, Dr. Tobin and co-investigators have delineated the pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure. He has also conducted numerous laboratory studies on control of breathing, respiratory muscle physiology, and other related topics.
Dr. Tobin is the editor of Principles and Practice of Mechanical Ventilation, published in 1994, 2006 and 2012, and Principles and Practice of Intensive Care Monitoring, published in 1998. He served as Editor-in Chief of The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (official journal of American Thoracic Society) between 1999 and 2004.
John B Downs
Dr. John Downs is a distinguished figure in the field of mechanical ventilation, renowned for his pioneering research and profound impact on critical care medicine.
A pioneer of airway pressure release ventilation (APRV), he is credited with inventing the method in the late 1980s, redefining how mechanical ventilation can protect and stabilize injured lungs
Among his most impressive work is the development of IMV/SIMV to allow unrestricted patients’ spontaneous breathing. Dr. Downs is also a champion in Non Invasive ventilation
With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and contributions to both foundational physiology and clinical practice, Dr. Downs’s work spans the development, refinement, and dissemination of APRV/TCAV across decades of research
Through national symposia, educational leadership, and mentorship , he has trained countless clinicians in advanced ventilator management, making an enduring impact on critical care medicine worldwide
Luciano Gattinoni
In Memoriam (1945 – 2024)
Dr. Gattinoni’s is a legendary figure in the field of critical care, respiratory medicine and mechanical ventilation. His contributions are innumerable and his innovations have profoundly shaped the field of mechanical ventilation. His groundbreaking “baby lung” concept and the prone position have revolutionized the understanding and treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome, emphasizing lung-protective strategies in ventilation. He also pioneered extracorporeal techniques, which are now foundational in managing severe respiratory failure. Dr. Gattinoni has published over 600 scientific articles in prestigious journals, influencing practices worldwide.
In addition to his prolific research career, Dr. Gattinoni has served in many leadership roles across multiple international societies, including as president of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. His work has earned numerous honors, such as lifetime achievement awards from the American Society of Anesthesiology and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine.
Not only a physician, teacher and researcher, but a true human that we celebrate his life, we all awe him so much.
May you rest in peace
Gary Nieman
Professor Gary Nieman is a distinguished figure in the realm of medical science, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) research and his dedication to advancing critical care medicine. With a career spanning five decades, his work has not only significantly enhanced our understanding of ARDS and VILI but has also paved the way for novel therapeutic approaches. These treatments include the use of a modified tetracycline (CMT-3) to treat ARDS and the Time Controlled Adaptive Ventilation (TCAV) method to set and adjust the airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) mode to minimize VILI. He has over 170 peer-reviewed publications, 5 patents, and has been continually grant-funded for almost three decades. As a respected educator and researcher, Professor Nieman’s influence extends far beyond the confines of the laboratory, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern medicine.
Professor Nieman’s seminal research endeavors have revolutionized our understanding of ARDS pathophysiology. Through meticulous experimentation and innovative methodologies, he uncovered key insights into the mechanism of VILI using an in vivo microscopic technique that he developed to view subpleural alveoli during mechanical ventilation. Using this technology, he demonstrated the importance of maintaining optimal alveolar stability by applying positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or using a very brief expiratory time.
More recently, Professor Nieman studied using inspiratory and expiratory time first to stabilize and then gradually reopen the ARDS lung. This is a paradigm shift from the current strategy of first opening and then stabilizing the lung. Using the TCAV method, the very brief expiratory time that is personalized to the patient’s lung pathophysiology almost immediately stabilizes the lung. This prevents the lung from slipping into what is known as the VILI Vortex. The extended inspiratory time will then recruit a small lung volume with each breath, and the very short expiratory time will act as a ‘brake’ to prevent re-collapse. This inflate and brake ‘ratchet’ mechanism gradually recruits the lung progressively over hours or days.
In addition to his research endeavors, Professor Nieman is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals. As a respected educator, he has mentored countless students and trainees, instilling in them a passion for scientific inquiry and a dedication to compassionate patient care.
Professor Gary Nieman’s contributions to the field of critical care medicine and mechanical ventilation are nothing short of transformative. His pioneering research has not only advanced our scientific understanding of ARDS and VILI but has also translated into tangible clinical benefits, offering alternative protective ventilation methods (TCAV) that may change the way that medicine is practiced. As a visionary leader, he continues to inspire and empower others to pursue excellence in medical science and patient care.
In summary, Professor Gary Nieman’s illustrious career is a testament to the power of relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity. His pioneering research, coupled with his passion for education, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern medicine. As we look towards the future, Professor Nieman’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards new frontiers in critical care medicine and inspiring generations of healthcare professionals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Robert L. Chatburn
Rob is Professor of Medicine at Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. He is also Enterprise Program Manager – Respiratory Care Research. He is the author of more than 150 peer reviewed scientific papers and >250 abstracts; author, editor or co-editor of 16 textbooks, journal volumes and 52 textbook chapters. As an inventor, he holds two US patents for mechanical ventilation and is well known for his landmark work creating the “Taxonomy of Mechanical Ventilation”
Professor Chatburn has dedicated his professional career to education of innumerous clinicians and researchers. With this award we recognize his contributions to the Society of Mechanical Ventilation with his mechanical ventilation book, lectures, SIVA simulator
Jordi Mancebo
Doctor Mancebo’s contributions to improving the application of assisted ventilation has moved medical practice forward, assisted Industry in researching and developing ventilation tools that could remedy patients suffering from ventilatory insufficiencies
Clearly his impact on the application of mechanical ventilation, the tools provided to his fellow practitioners to safely and effectively apply this life saving support is known to all.
Doctor Mancebo is, known to many as, a remarkable physician, an accomplished professor, an inquiring peer reviewer, a forward thinking society leader, an ever-present educator, a serious researcher and developer. These traits the Society knows well. But the traits we are humbled by are Jordi Mancebo’s never say “No,” to those who asked him for his time, his help, and his guidance. From industry to medical practice, Jordi is revered for his insight, approachable nature, and always kind demeanor
Björn Jonson
Dr Björn Jonson is a physiologist, physician and currently a Professor Emeritus at Lund University in Sweden. He has spent the last sixty years of his life dedicated to research and inventions in the fields of respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation
With several devices invented, more than fifteen patents, more than 200 published articles and concepts
Dr. Jonson’s work has changed and revolutionized the way we understand the science of respiratory failure, and the way we practice and monitor mechanical ventilation today. More importantly, are the countless lives of patients saved all over the world because of his contribution
https://www.journalmechanicalventilation.com/pioneers-in-mechanical-ventilation-bjorn-jonson/
Keith G Hickling
Doctor Hickling is professor of intensive care at the Gold Coast university hospital. Queensland, Australia.
With over four decades of research and contribution in the field of mechanical ventilation especially ARDS, ventilator induced lung injury, and extra corporeal CO2 removal, Dr. Hickling’s work is invaluable to our current understanding and application of mechanical ventilation.
While recognized as a master of ventilation, Dr. Hickling’s’ interest extended to other areas of the care the critically ill . He provided advice and leadership to the NZ working party of the Brain death and organ donation. He contributed greatly to the understanding and acceptance of the need for research in the critically ill patients unable to provide individual informed consent in NZ, and was a pioneer the aminoglycoside dosing in the critically ill.