Abbott (Leroy C.) papers, 1942-1943

Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Title:
LeRoy C. Abbott papers
Dates:
1942-1943
Abstract:
Commemorative scrapbook dedicated to LeRoy C. Abbott, M.D., Orthopedic surgeon and instructor, by his associates and friends, in commemoration of his 12 years of leadership as Chief of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the University of California Medical School. Also, a plaque presented to Dr. Abbott by the Board of Governors Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, St. Louis Unit, in appreciation for his services as Chief Surgeon from April 1924 to November 1930.
Extent:
.416 Linear Feet (1 document box)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], ALeRoy C. Abbott papers, MSS 43-4. Archives and Special Collections, University of California, San Francisco.

Background

Biographical / historical:

The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has a rich history which begins in 1930 under the tutelage of Dr. LeRoy C. Abbott.

By 1930, Orthopaedic Surgery had developed into a field requiring specialized knowledge and techniques. Dr. Howard Hafzinger, chairman of the Department of Surgery at UCSF School of Medicine, chose Dr. Abbott to develop orthopaedic surgery as a separate division within the Department. Abbott graduated from UC School of Medicine in 1914 and had postgraduate training at Harvard Medical School. During World War I, Abbott had joined the Army and practiced surgery in Edinburgh, London, and at U.S. base hospitals in France. After the war, he completed a surgical residency in Edinburgh, then taught at the University of Michigan and Washington University in St. Louis.

One of the first things Abbott did in his new capacity was to start a brace shop. In January, 1931, he recruited August Kern from Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in St. Louis to open a facility to manufacture orthopaedic appliances for patients of the clinics.

From 1930 to 1949, Abbott slowly built a first class orthopaedic surgery group by recruiting new teachers with excellent qualifications and expanding the undergraduate teaching program.

In July, 1949, Orthopaedic Surgery became a separate, autonomous department with Abbott as chairman. The quantity and quality of research as well as the caliber of professors who conducted the research, had a strong impact on the level of teaching the Department was able to provide. Students working in close association with professors were exposed to basic research and research aimed at solving clinical problems.

Acquisition information:
Legacy collection, provenance unknown.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-11-18 14:10:18 -0800 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of the University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing, and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], ALeRoy C. Abbott papers, MSS 43-4. Archives and Special Collections, University of California, San Francisco.

Location of this collection:
UCSF Library & CKM Archives and Special Collections, 530 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143-0840, US