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Mary Edwards Walker (1832–1919): Approach to limb salvage therapy
Author(s) -
Klifto Kevin M.,
Quan Amy,
Lee Dellon A.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
wound repair and regeneration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.847
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1524-475X
pISSN - 1067-1927
DOI - 10.1111/wrr.12695
Subject(s) - amputation , medicine , wound care , antiseptic , general surgery , hygiene , surgery , medical care , nursing , pathology
Mary Edwards Walker (1832–1919) was the first female surgeon in the United States. Her upbringing and unique medical training led her to practice medicine in a way that was revolutionary for the time. During the Civil War, her approach to wound care rivaled the current standard of care. During an era that predated antiseptic surgical technique, she prioritized cleanliness and hygiene. She opposed amputation for its surgical risks and decreased postoperative quality of life. She believed that many wounds, when appropriately attended to, would heal without amputation. She advocated for patients who she believed did not require amputations and counseled them on their rights to refuse surgical care.