John B. Murphy: Unique Among American Surgeons

Abstract

John B. Murphy (1857–1916), one of the most outstanding and controversial surgeons of his age, was a product of the strong clinical programs that developed in Chicago in the late 19th century. Heavily influenced by Christian Fenger, surgeon and surgical pathologist, he went to Europe for training under Theodore Billroth and others. He applied results of his dog lab experiments to human problems while maintaining a large private practice. He is best known for his teaching clinics, for his groundbreaking work with a button for intestinal anastomosis, and for encouraging early operation in appendicitis. Though often in trouble with his fellow surgeons who accused him of stealing patients, especially in the Haymarket affair and when Theodore Roosevelt was shot, he nevertheless made many contributions to the care of surgical patients and development of academic surgery.

KEYWORDS:

• appendicitis
• Christian Fenger
• John B. Murphy
• Murphy button