The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in a University Medical School [excerpt]

     The diagnosis and operative treatment of pelvic lesions were taken up by the general surgeons, who hastened to perfect themselves in a field [483][484] which they had formerly neglected, until now a large amount of gynecology is done, and done well, by the general surgeon, who possibly at times forgets the debt he owes the pioneers and specialists who paved the way for his easily-acquired knowledge. But there is not, and should not be, any real controversy between the general surgeon and the gynecologist. Both should be good general surgeons; only one has chosen to devote himself to a particular field. That the skilled gynecologist is recognized as a competent abdominal surgeon is well illustrated by the fact that the surgeon chosen to operate upon the late PRESIDENT MCKINLEY was a distinguished gynecologist and abdominal surgeon.