1921 -

Biography

Henry McIntosh followed college at Davidson with WWII service in both Europe and the Far East. As a member of the Office of Secret Services he parachuted into France to work behind enemy lines, his gallantry earning him the Silver Star and France’s Croix de Guerre. By war’s end he held the rank of Captain.

Henry attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1950. All his subsequent training was at Duke University where he developed an enduring friendship with his mentor Eugene Stead. In 1955 Stead invited him onto the Duke staff. By 1962 he had risen to the rank of Professor and 4 years later he was appointed Chief of Cardiology. During his time at Duke University, Henry was responsible for considerable growth in staff and investigative activities. During that period that he developed a strong interest in preventive cardiology including the hazards of cigarette smoking and physical inactivity. He later became an outspoken critic of the cigarette industry and served in numerous roles on American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology (ACC) committees that promoted healthy living goals.

In 1970 he was attracted to the post of Chairman of Medicine at Baylor in Houston. His surgical counterpart was Michael DeBakey. Again he stimulated clinical growth while encouraging scrutiny of Baylor’s medical programmatic objectives.

In 1974 he served as President of the ACC. During his Presidency the Annual Scientific Session was held in Houston where it showcased that city’s healthcare and social achievements. Henry deeply embraced the mission of ACC and has continued to interact vigorously with its leadership ever since. With the exception of his close friend William "Bill" Nelligan, long time ACC Executive Director, there has been no greater champion of the College which was recognized in 1982 when he was made a Distinguished Fellow.

Always a committed clinician, in 1977 he joined the Watson Clinic in Lakeland Florida. This large private practice always had a close relationship with Duke. Its leadership courted Henry for many years. In his practice he treated patients as his equal, never allowing a busy schedule to keep him from hearing their every concern.

In 1984 he founded the philanthropic organization Heartbeat International for the purpose of providing new pacemakers to indigent people in developing countries. Despite significant challenges in obtaining equipment and generating financial support, this remarkable group has supported implantation of pacemakers in thousands of needy patients in more than twenty countries. In addition Heartbeat’s educational arm has instructed dozens of physicians on implant techniques and follow-up. Recognition of his initiative came at a White House Rose Garden ceremony in 1986 when he received a Presidential Citation from Ronald Reagan.

Mindful of the need for ACC to work at a grass roots level in 1985 he co-founded the first ACC Chapter, in Florida. This model has been the template for other State Chapters nationwide. That year he also co-founded the Council on Geriatric Cardiology, now called the Society of Geriatric Cardiology, an organization that focuses on the special challenges faced by elderly patients with cardiovascular disease.

He was given a Distinguished Service Award by NASPE in 1991 in honor of his service to NASPE and his contributions through Heartbeat International.

He retired from the Watson Clinic in 1992 and after some years doing preventive cardiology at St. Joseph’s Heart Institute in Tampa he now volunteers at a clinic for the uninsured in Lakeland and spends more time with his wife of 50 years, Harriet.

- Ronald Vlietstra

Interview Excerpts

The development of Heartbeat International (5:13; Real Audio)

Intermedics donates pacemakers for Heartbeat International (3:17; Real Audio)

Heartbeat International receives a Presidential citation (2:48; Real Audio)

Funding for Heartbeat International (3:57; Real Audio)

Excerpted from this interview:
Interviewer: Ronald E. Vlietstra,MD and Seymour Furman,MD
Date: November 11, 1997
Note: You will need to have the free Real Player plug-in to listen to the interviews.
Download the free Real Player Plug-in.