The Doctors Mayo and military medicine

This paper has described an historical range of seldom known accomplishments that are directly attributable to the Doctors Mayo in the field of military medicine. Military service, selfless dedication, and a sense of genuine patriotism can be recognized and identified as instilled in the Mayo brothers by their father's example of service during the Civil War era. World War I presented an opportunity for the medical profession to receive important recognition and representation at the highest levels of national defense with the organization and establishment of the General Medical Board of the Council of National Defense. From its inception both Mayo brothers became alternating members of the Board's executive committee. Also, during World War I, a Mayo Clinic pathologist, Dr. Louis B. Wilson, pioneered field laboratory services and conducted a special study, at the request of the Surgeon General of the Army, on the caliber of the bullet used at that time. Dr. Wilson's tireless work after the war and dedication helped foster the evolution of the American College of Clinical Pathologists. The Doctors Mayo always kept a feeling of strong personal remembrance of, and gratitude for, the contributions of the American soldier in the cause of world peace and American prosperity. The Doctors Mayo were strategic thinkers when it came to National Defense, and it is with a feeling of almost haunting prophetic significance to consider their timeless wisdom on preparedness as a means to ensure peace.