John Benjamin Murphy - Pioneer of gastrointestinal anastomosis

Surgery as a speciality has reached an advanced refinement today both in terms of teaching and technique. With knowledge gained from years of research, teaching is now evidence-based. With the illuminating, pioneering work of a few great former surgeons, the technique of even complex surgical procedures has been well elucidated now. John Benjamin Murphy is one such surgeon to whom the speciality of surgery would remain perpetually indebted. His landmark achievements not only in gastroenterology but also in urology, orthopaedics, oncoplastic and vascular surgery would leave even a hard-core critic marvelling at his genius. Above all, Murphy was a dedicated teacher who spent 4 days a week demonstrating procedures and lecturing interested surgeons. Herein lies the greatness of the man and a tribute highlighting his achievements are in order.