Alexander Burns Wallace

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Alexander Burns Wallace (1906–1974) was a prominent Scottish surgeon and a pioneer in the field of plastic surgery. He is best known for his contributions to the development of techniques in burn treatment and reconstructive surgery.

Early Life and Education

Alexander Burns Wallace was born in Scotland in 1906. He pursued his medical education at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated with a degree in medicine. Wallace showed an early interest in surgery, which led him to specialize in the field of plastic surgery.

Career

Wallace began his career at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he worked under the mentorship of several leading surgeons of the time. His work during World War II was particularly notable; he served as a surgeon in the Royal Army Medical Corps, where he treated soldiers with severe burns and injuries. This experience significantly influenced his later work in burn treatment and reconstructive surgery.

After the war, Wallace continued his work at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and later at the Canniesburn Hospital in Glasgow, which became a leading center for plastic surgery under his leadership. He was instrumental in developing new techniques for skin grafting and the treatment of burn injuries.

Contributions to Medicine

Wallace's contributions to the field of plastic surgery are numerous. He is perhaps best known for the "Wallace Rule of Nines," a method used to estimate the total body surface area affected by burns. This method is still widely used today in the initial assessment and treatment of burn patients.

In addition to his work on burn treatment, Wallace made significant advancements in reconstructive surgery, particularly in the areas of cleft palate and craniofacial surgery. His innovative techniques and dedication to patient care have left a lasting legacy in the field of plastic surgery.

Personal Life

Wallace was known for his dedication to his patients and his passion for teaching. He trained many of the next generation of plastic surgeons, passing on his knowledge and skills. He was also an avid writer, contributing numerous articles to medical journals and authoring several books on plastic surgery.

Death and Legacy

Alexander Burns Wallace passed away in 1974, but his contributions to the field of plastic surgery continue to be recognized and celebrated. His work has had a lasting impact on the treatment of burn injuries and reconstructive surgery, and he is remembered as a pioneer and innovator in his field.

Related Pages

• Plastic surgery
• Burn treatment
• Reconstructive surgery
• Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
• Canniesburn Hospital
• Cleft palate
• Craniofacial surgery
• Royal Army Medical Corps