Arthur M. Master

Arthur M. Master was an influential American cardiologist best known for developing the standardized exercise tolerance test for coronary artery disease. His pioneering work at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City helped establish non-invasive methods for diagnosing cardiac conditions. Master's research significantly advanced the understanding of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias, influencing generations of clinicians. His career spanned several decades during a transformative period in 20th-century medicine.

Biography

Arthur M. Master was born in 1895 in New York City. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University before earning his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. Following his graduation, he began his long and distinguished association with Mount Sinai Hospital, where he would spend the majority of his professional life. He also held academic appointments and contributed to the broader medical community through organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Physicians.

Medical career

Master established himself as a leading internist and cardiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he eventually became the chief of cardiology. His clinical investigations focused extensively on coronary artery disease, and he published numerous papers in journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association. He was an active participant in major medical societies, including the American Clinical and Climatological Association, and his teachings influenced many fellows and residents. His work helped bridge the gap between emerging electrocardiography techniques and practical clinical diagnosis.

Master two-step test

Master's most enduring contribution to medicine was the development and standardization of the Master two-step test, introduced in the 1920s and later refined. This early stress test was designed to safely induce controlled cardiac stress in patients by having them step onto and off a small platform. The test was used to evaluate exercise tolerance and uncover electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia, providing a critical diagnostic tool before the advent of more complex treadmill tests like the Bruce protocol. The Master test was widely adopted internationally and laid the groundwork for modern cardiac stress testing methodologies.

Awards and honors

In recognition of his contributions to cardiology, Master received several prestigious awards. He was honored with the American Heart Association's Gold Heart Award for his service and research. His professional achievements were also acknowledged by the American College of Cardiology, and he delivered named lectures at various institutions. His legacy is preserved through the continued historical citation of his work in textbooks and the foundational principles of exercise physiology applied in cardiology.

Personal life

Arthur M. Master was married to Anna Master, and the couple had two children. He maintained a residence in New York City throughout his life, remaining closely connected to the medical community there. Colleagues described him as a dedicated physician and a meticulous researcher. He passed away in 1973 in New York City, leaving a substantial legacy in the field of clinical cardiology.

Category:American cardiologists Category:1895 births Category:1973 deaths