Facemaker
Lindsey Fitzharris
20 min
7 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Dive into the fascinating world of Victorian-era medicine and discover the pioneering work of a surgeon who revolutionized the field of plastic surgery.
You'll learn
1. How did plastic surgery evolve?2. Who was Harold Gillies and why does he matter?3. How did World War I shape reconstructive surgery?4. What's the deal with the ethics and psychology of plastic surgery?5. How is tech changing the face of plastic surgery?6. What does society really think about plastic surgery?Key points
01The Early Years: A Surgeon in the Making
Sir Harold Gillies, born on June 17, 1882, in Dunedin, New Zealand, was destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of medicine. The youngest of four children, Gillies' early life was characterized by a fervent interest in sports, particularly rowing. His exceptional talent in this field, demonstrated as a member of the Otago Boys' High School rowing team, hinted at a potential professional career in the sport. However, fate had a different path in store for him. A chance encounter with a medical book at a friend's house sparked a fascination in Gillies that would alter the course of his life. The book, "The Principles and Practice of Medicine" by Sir William Osler, was a comprehensive guide to the medical field. It was the intricate details of human anatomy and the complexities of various diseases that captivated Gillies, igniting a passion for medicine that would shape his future. In 1902, Gillies relocated to England to pursue this newfound interest. He enrolled at Cambridge University, one of the world's most prestigious institutions, where he studied medicine under the tutelage of eminent professors such as Sir Clifford Allbutt and Dr. G. H. F. Nuttall. Despite the demanding academic environment, Gillies managed to balance his studies with his love for rowing, joining the university's rowing team and even competing in the annual Boat Race against Oxford University. During his time at Cambridge, Gillies' interest in surgery began to blossom. He was particularly drawn to the precision and meticulousness required in surgical procedures. This interest led him to undertake additional studies in surgical anatomy and techniques, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to the field. His hard work was recognized when he was awarded the prestigious University Scholarship in Medicine in 1907. After graduating from Cambridge, Gillies continued his medical training at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. It was here that he began to specialize in surgery, laying the groundwork for his future pioneering work in plastic surgery. The early years of Sir Harold Gillies' life were instrumental in shaping his career. His transition from a potential sportsman to a medical student, and eventually a surgeon, was marked by a series of significant events. These events not only influenced his personal life but also had a profound impact on the field of medicine, particularly plastic surgery. His passion for medicine, ignited by a chance encounter with a medical book, led him to make significant contributions to the field, forever changing the landscape of surgical procedures.
02The Call of Duty: From Sportsman to Soldier
Harold Gillies, a young medical student, found himself in the midst of the brutal realities of World War I when he enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps. His decision to join the military was not a spur-of-the-moment choice, but a deliberate act driven by a sense of duty and a desire to serve his country during a time of crisis. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would not only change his life but also revolutionize the field of medicine. Gillies was posted to France, a country deeply scarred by the war. Stationed at the Western Front, he was not just a soldier, but a medical officer tasked with treating the wounded and dying. The battlefield was his classroom, and the injuries he encountered were his lessons. The harsh realities of war provided him with a unique perspective on the medical needs of soldiers, a perspective that was not available in the sterile environment of a classroom. The severity and scale of the injuries Gillies encountered were unlike anything he had seen in his medical studies. He treated soldiers with shattered bones, severe burns, and disfiguring facial injuries. One particular incident that left a lasting impression on him was the treatment of a young soldier with a severe facial injury. Despite his best efforts, the soldier's face was left permanently disfigured, a stark reminder of the brutalities of war. This incident, among others, sparked Gillies' interest in plastic surgery, a field that was still in its infancy at the time. He saw the potential of this field to not only restore physical appearance but also to heal psychological wounds. He observed the profound impact of physical injuries on the mental health of soldiers, further fueling his determination to find better ways to treat disfiguring injuries. Gillies' experiences on the battlefield were harrowing, but they played a crucial role in shaping his future career. His time in the Royal Army Medical Corps was not just a period of service, but a transformative experience that would lead him to become a pioneer in the field of plastic surgery. His journey from sportsman to soldier was a testament to his resilience and determination, qualities that would serve him well in his quest to revolutionize the field of plastic surgery. In conclusion, Gillies' decision to join the military during a time of crisis was a pivotal moment in his life. It exposed him to the harsh realities of war and the medical needs of soldiers, sparking his interest in plastic surgery. His experiences on the battlefield were instrumental in shaping his future career, leading him to become a pioneer in the field of plastic surgery. His story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact of war on individuals and the potential for transformative experiences in the most unlikely of places.
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03The Birth of a Vision: The First Steps Towards Plastic Surgery
04The Queen's Hospital: A Sanctuary for the Disfigured
05The Master and His Craft: Advancements in Plastic Surgery
06The Legacy: Gillies' Influence on Future Generations
07Conclusion
About Lindsey Fitzharris
Lindsey Fitzharris is a medical historian with a PhD from Oxford University. She is known for her popular blog, The Chirurgeon's Apprentice, and her TV show, "Under the Knife". Fitzharris has received several awards for her work, including the 2018 PEN/E.O. Wilson Prize for Literary Science Writing.