Edward D. Churchill (1895-1972): An Innovative Surgeon, His Work, and His Contribution to Parathyroid Surgery

Abstract

Edward Delos Churchill, one of the most notorious American surgeons of the 20th century, influenced countless surgeons and set medical practices that were used for decades. His scope of interests included surgery of the lungs, heart, thyroid, parathyroid glands, and military surgery among others. Churchill was one of the first to expand the field of the newly found parathyroid bodies by performing several experimental excisions of the glands and publishing numerous guidelines based on his innovative work. Additionally, he aspired to address many of the literature gaps that led him to conclusions that would benefit both the surgeons and patients throughout the country. Most importantly, his deep interest in endocrinology and his aggregate approach of medicine led him to discoveries that paved the way to the modern endocrine surgery practices.