Ephraim McDowell: the qualities of a good surgeon.

Objective: To identify those personal qualities which enabled Dr. Ephraim McDowell to be successful as the first surgeon in the world to remove a large ovarian tumor.

Summary Background Data: Dr. McDowell, in 1809 and before anesthesia or antisepsis, removed a large ovarian tumor from his patient, Jane Todd Crawford, who then survived 33 years.

Methods: Existing histories and accounts of Ephraim McDowell's life and operations were sifted for his personal qualities. A visit to the McDowell House and family 200 reunion in Danville, Kentucky, added details.

Results: Qualities of confidence, compassion, courage, commitment, communication, courtesy, and especially cleanliness have been identified.

Conclusions: Those qualities attributed to Ephraim McDowell perhaps were instrumental in his successes. Those basic qualities are still important for surgeons today.