George von Willebrand

George von Willebrand was a Swedish physician who discovered a crucial blood protein called von Willebrand factor. This protein is essential for proper blood clotting, helping blood cells stick together at injury sites to prevent excessive bleeding. His work, published in 1926, identified a common inherited bleeding disorder now known as von Willebrand disease. Understanding this disorder has improved diagnosis and management, benefiting many individuals with bleeding tendencies. Von Willebrand’s contributions significantly advanced hematology and helped clarify the biological processes involved in blood clot formation.