The Halifax explosion and the birth of a surgical specialty-myth or reality

J Pediatr Surg. 2010 May;45(5):855-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2010.02.006.

Abstract

The work of Dr William E. Ladd after a devastating explosion in Halifax in 1917 has been credited with his decision to devote his subsequent career to the betterment of surgical care for children. He has been recognized as the "father of pediatric surgery" in North America. The authors present a written refutation of this causal association by Dr Ladd.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Correspondence as Topic / history*
  • Disasters / history*
  • Explosions / history*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Nova Scotia
  • Pediatrics / history*
  • Specialties, Surgical / history*

Personal name as subject

  • William E Ladd