Ephraim McDowell: the qualities of a good surgeon.

Abstract

To identify those personal qualities which enabled Dr. Ephraim McDowell to be successful as the first surgeon in the world to remove a large ovarian tumor. Dr. McDowell, in 1809 and before anesthesia or antisepsis, removed a large ovarian tumor from his patient, Jane Todd Crawford, who then survived 33 years. Existing histories and accounts of Ephraim McDowell's life and operations were sifted for his personal qualities. A visit to the McDowell House and family 200 reunion in Danville, Kentucky, added details. Qualities of confidence, compassion, courage, commitment, communication, courtesy, and especially cleanliness have been identified. Those qualities attributed to Ephraim McDowell perhaps were instrumental in his successes. Those basic qualities are still important for surgeons today.