The medical ethics of the ' Father of Gynaecology ' , Dr J Marion Sims

The medical ethics of the 'father of gynaecology', Dr J Marion Sims.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) was a common ailment among American women in the 19th century. Prior to that time, no successful surgery had been developed for the cure of this condition until Dr J Marion Sims perfected a successful surgical technique in 1849. Dr Sims used female slaves as research subjects over a four-year period of experimentation (1845-1849). This paper discusses the controvers...

James Marion Sims: some speculations and a new position.

This 19th century US gynaecologist still arouses controversy in the 21st century " PASS ME THE SIMS " is a request heard every day during gynaecological surgery and as often in outpatient practice. The Sims speculum has been a valuable gynaecological aid throughout the world since the first example was crudely fashioned from a pewter spoon in 1845 by James Marion Sims, a general practitioner in...

The portrayal of J. Marion Sims' controversial surgical legacy.

PURPOSE In the mid 1800s Dr. J. Marion Sims reported the successful repair of vesicovaginal fistulas with a technique he developed by performing multiple operations on female slaves. A venerated physician in his time, the legacy of Dr. Sims is controversial and represents a significant chapter in the mistreatment of African-Americans by the medical establishment. This review compares the modern...

The Value of Engaging the Public in CHATing About Healthcare Priorities: A Response to Recent Commentaries

Special Feature: Presentation of Morris F. Collen Award to Dr. Marion J. Ball

The Morris F. Collen Award is given each year, when appropriate, to pioneers in the field of medical infor-matics who best exemplify the teaching and practice of Morrie Collen. This year's recipient, Dr. Marion Ball, has devoted her career to building bridges, trying to bridge the gaps that divided countries and regions, professions and disciplines, colleagues and co-workers, public sector and ...