Benjamin J Scherlag

October 31, 1932 – September 2, 2025

Dr. Benjamin J. Scherlag was a beloved husband, father, teacher and mentor. A son of immigrants, he rose to become a pioneer in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. His pioneering work touched lives around the world. Renowned as the Father of Modern Clinical Electrophysiology, Dr. Scherlag helped revolutionize the understanding and treatment of heart rhythm disorders when, in 1969, he first devised a method to locate the heart’s Bundle of His by tracking its electrical signals. This discovery became the foundation for modern heart rhythm medicine and his life’s work. The Bundle of His is a specialized group of cardiac muscle fibers that acts as a critical part of the heart's electrical conduction system and is used to this day for modern interventional pacing. What began as a love of biology and a desire to teach, grew into a remarkable career of groundbreaking research, creativity, and service. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and the Public Health Service. After earning his PhD in Physiology from the State University of New York and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University, Dr. Scherlag dedicated himself to advancing heart rhythm science and generously shared his knowledge by mentoring countless young physicians and scientists. For decades, he served as a George Lynn Cross Research Professor and held the prestigious Helen and Will Webster Chair of Cardiac Arrhythmias at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. His wisdom and kindness shaped a generation of doctors and scientists throughout the world.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Scherlag’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Ellie. They shared a beautiful 65-year marriage, a bond marked by love, devotion, and faith. Together they raised four wonderful children, Nancy, Ron, Bill and Mike (and wife Georgia).

Their family grew to include eight cherished grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Dr. Scherlag’s influence continues through his family’s own contributions to medicine. His son, Mike, is a skilled interventional cardiologist, one granddaughter is an ENT physician, and another is a first-year medical student. In a remarkable twist of fate, in his later years, Dr. Scherlag was fitted with a pacemaker, the very device he helped pioneer with advancements decades earlier, bringing his story full circle. Those who knew Dr. Scherlag celebrate not only his brilliance but also his humility, warmth, generosity, sense of humor, and deep love for his family. His life was a testimony to science, devotion, and using his gifts to serve others. His influence will continue to benefit generations to come, both through his family and in the countless lives touched by his work.