Recollections of Archibald McIndoe

Achieving Growth and Excellence in Medicine

“…3,11,23 British plastics units were established in advance of the war, planned by veterans Gillies, Mowlem, Kilner, as well as fresh, innovative young Archibald McIndoe who was introduced to the field by his cousin Gillies 1930, and took over his consultant position to the RAF in 1937. 3,12,13,22,24 The US Army also began activating university hospital units before entry into combat. 25 However, the tables of organization did not make adequate provisions for the specialty, and the Surgeon General's office did not include a plastic surgeon as consultant.…”

“…28 At East Grimstead, over 4500 burns in both airmen and civilians were treated, with some patients staying 4 or more years and undergoing up to 30 operations. 24,28,29,30 In 1940, the standard treatment for burns was coagulation with tannic acid. However, during the Battle of Britain, McIndoe noted that aircrew rescued from the sea fared better than others, and thus began saline baths and early grafting instead.…”

“…10,12 In Britain, continuity in military and civilian surgery was led by the dedicated service of McIndoe who continued to visit East Grinstead. 24 In addition to clinical work, he established a research unit at the Queen Victoria for wound healing and grafting. 24,31 In 1947, McIndoe was knighted, and in 1949, elected as president of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons.…”

“…24 In addition to clinical work, he established a research unit at the Queen Victoria for wound healing and grafting. 24,31 In 1947, McIndoe was knighted, and in 1949, elected as president of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons. 24 That year, struggling with the scope and practice of the nascent field, he wrote "It is not yet clear .…”

“…24,31 In 1947, McIndoe was knighted, and in 1949, elected as president of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons. 24 That year, struggling with the scope and practice of the nascent field, he wrote "It is not yet clear . .…”