Alden March

Alden March (1795–1869) was an American surgeon and a pioneer in medical education. He is best known for founding the Albany Medical College in 1839, which is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Alden March was born in 1795 in Sutton, Massachusetts. He attended Brown University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1812. He then studied medicine under Dr. Amos Twitchell in Keene, New Hampshire, before earning his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1816.

Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his medical degree, March moved to Albany, New York, where he established a successful surgical practice. He was known for his innovative surgical techniques and his commitment to medical education. In 1839, he founded the Albany Medical College, where he served as the first president and professor of surgery. He held these positions until his death in 1869.

March was also involved in the establishment of the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1847 and served as its president from 1852 to 1853. He was instrumental in the development of the AMA's code of ethics, which set standards for professional conduct among physicians.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Alden March's contributions to medical education and professional ethics have had a lasting impact on the field of medicine. The Albany Medical College continues to be a leading institution in medical education and research. The Alden March Bioethics Institute, established in his honor, is dedicated to the study of ethical issues in health care and biomedical research.