Mayo Clinic: An Institutional History of General Thoracic Surgery
Erin A Gillaspie1, Francis C Nichols1, Mark S Allen1
1Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|January 27, 2016
Insights
The Mayo Clinic
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical History
Background:
- The Mayo Clinic's thoracic surgery practice originated in Rochester, MN, following a significant tornado disaster in 1883.
- Pioneering work in thoracic surgical procedures was initiated by the Mayo brothers, William and Charles.
Observation:
- Dr. Samuel Robinson is acknowledged as the inaugural thoracic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic.
- The practice was further developed by distinguished surgeons, including Drs. Harrington and Claret.
Findings:
- A lineage of esteemed surgeons has contributed to the growth of the thoracic surgical department.
- The Mayo Clinic's thoracic surgery division has evolved into a globally recognized center of excellence.
Implications:
- The historical development highlights the Mayo Clinic's long-standing commitment to advancing thoracic surgery.
- This legacy continues to shape the institution's reputation as a leader in the field.
Abstract:
The Mayo Clinic was started in Rochester, MN after a 1883 tornado disaster. The Mayo brothers, William and Charles began thoracic surgical procedures early in their career. Dr. Samuel Robinson is recognized as the first thoracic surgeon at Mayo. He was followed by Drs. Harrington and Claret who became famous surgeons. Many other notable surgeons have help to build the thoracic surgical practice into what is today a world renown center of excellence in thoracic surgery.
