Valentine Mott. American Surgeon Pioneer

Abstract

Valentine Mott (1785–1865) was considered one of the most influential American surgical leaders of his time. Originally from Long Island, New York, he proceeded from a Quaker medical family and received a classical education from an elementary seminary. After completing an apprenticeship under his cousin, well-respected surgeon Valentine Seaman, he attended and received his medical degree from Columbia Medical College in 1806. Months later, he left for London, where he studied surgery under the superb guidance of the surgical star Sir Astley Cooper. Other noted English and Scottish surgeons actively participated in his education as well. By 1809, Valentine Mott returned to New York City. Various coveted surgical posts at Columbia, Rutgers Medical College of New Jersey, and University City of New York were occupied by Professor Mott.

Valentine Mott was certainly the first American to ligate successfully a great number of large arteries. Because of Valentine Mott's extraordinary vascular surgery work, the distinguished surgeon and historian, Ira Rutkow, believes Mott should be named the father of American vascular surgery. I concur with his recommendation. In addition, Valentine Mott performed an incredible number of lithotomies with good results, and nearly 1000 amputations and other operations, such as surgery of the face, nose, and mandible. He was a continuously dedicated, highly committed, and skillful surgeon, who knew anatomy extremely well and was a considerate professional with his patients and colleagues—a great example for aspiring surgeons to follow.

KEYWORDS:

• accomplishments
• life
• Valentine Mott
• vascular surgery