Conclusion
“In summary, Doctor McDowell was a stalwart, intelligent, and confident sugeon who was unafraid of innovative and potentially dangerous procedures but who could objectively evaluate and, if necessary, change his techniques. He was the forerunner on whose work abdominal surgery quickly advanced after the discovery of anesthetics and the development of an understanding of antisepsis.”
~ Joseph H. Pratt, M.D. Section of Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Surgery in "Historical Vignette - Ephraim McDowell: the First Five Cases of Ovariotomy, 1809 to 1818" “Ephraim McDowell, father of abdominal surgery, is the symbol of this august and venerable organization [the Southern Medical Association]. The epochal ovariotomy that he performed in his home in Danville, Kentucky in 1809 assured his fame and earned for him an enduring place in medical history.
Innumerable tributes and memorials have celebrated his accomplishment and perpetuated his memory. These include two biographies of book length and countless shorter articles, statues in the capitals of the nation and of the state of Kentucky, a United States commemorative stamp and a monument and park in Danville that bear his name. His home where he performed the historic operation has been restored and is a surgical shrine for visitors from all parts of the world.” ~ Presidential Address: The Woman in the Case Jane Todd Crawford, 1763-1842 ROBERT S. SPARKMAN, M.D. Unlike many whose contributions have afforded praise only on important occasions, the contribution of Dr. Ephraim McDowell -- and his courageous patient Mrs. Jane Crawford -- has never been forgotten. The monuments and statues, articles and biographies, envelopes and postage stamps, brochures and pamphlets, praise and sentiments, associations and foundations, have been evenly spread out from 1809 to now. Their experiment will never be forgotten by the millions of lives it has, and continues to, save and inspire. |