Fred Plum

Early research focussed on developing 24 hour critical care center for bulbar poliomyelitis; extended some into hospital units to immediately diagnose and promptly treat acute, non-surgical unconsciousness of any cause. Identified pathological wakeful, activity; called it: the vegetative state. Identified brain death as equivalent of cardiac asytole death. Developed and utilized for research animal models of stroke. Was mentor to more than 30 men and women who became world-recognized leaders in both clinical and fundamental neurological research. He presently holds University Professorship in Weill Cornell Medical College. Works strongly with younger associates on methods to improve outcomes from severe traumatic brain injury in young and middle-aged patients. Teaches medical student and resident trainees and is writing a fourth edition of Stupor and Coma. He also serves as member of Committee on Human Rights from the Institute of Medicine.