Alfred Poland

Alfred Poland (1822–1872) was a British surgeon who is best known for his description of Poland syndrome, a rare birth defect characterized by underdevelopment or absence of the chest muscle on one side of the body, and usually also webbing of the fingers (syndactyly) of the hand on the same side.

Early Life and Education

Alfred Poland was born in 1822 in London, England. He studied medicine at Guy's Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in London, where he later became a surgeon.

Career

Poland's career was primarily based at Guy's Hospital, where he worked as a surgeon. He was known for his meticulous surgical techniques and his dedication to his patients. He was also a respected teacher and mentor to many young surgeons.

Poland Syndrome

In 1841, while still a medical student, Poland dissected a cadaver at Guy's Hospital that had a number of unusual features. The subject had a missing pectoral muscle and syndactyly on the same side. Poland published his findings in Guy's Hospital Reports, but the condition did not become widely known until it was rediscovered in the 1960s and named Poland syndrome in his honor.

Death and Legacy

Poland died in 1872 at the age of 50. His contributions to medicine, particularly his description of Poland syndrome, continue to be recognized today. The Alfred Poland Society, a professional organization for surgeons, was named in his honor.

See Also

• Poland syndrome
• Guy's Hospital
• Syndactyly

External Links

• Alfred Poland at Who Named It?