George E. Goodfellow

American physician and surgeon known for his work in the American Old West

George Emory Goodfellow (December 23, 1855 – December 7, 1910) was a pioneering American physician and surgeon in the American Old West. He is best known for his innovative work in treating gunshot wounds and for being one of the first surgeons to perform a laparotomy to treat abdominal gunshot wounds. Goodfellow's contributions to medicine, particularly in the field of ballistics and trauma surgery, have earned him a place in medical history.

Early Life and Education

George E. Goodfellow

George E. Goodfellow was born in Downieville, California, to James Goodfellow and Margaret Goodfellow. His father was a physician, which influenced George's decision to pursue a career in medicine. The family moved to Nevada during the California Gold Rush, where George spent much of his childhood.

Goodfellow attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied mining engineering. However, he soon shifted his focus to medicine and enrolled at the Medical College of the Pacific in San Francisco, graduating in 1876.

Career in the American West

Steamship S. S. Golden Gate

After completing his medical education, Goodfellow moved to the Arizona Territory, where he initially worked as a physician for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He later settled in Tombstone, Arizona, a booming mining town known for its lawlessness and violence.

Tombstone and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Tombstone in 1881

In Tombstone, Goodfellow became the town's leading physician and gained a reputation for his skill in treating gunshot wounds. He was present during the aftermath of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, where he treated Virgil Earp and other participants of the infamous shootout.

Virgil Earp

Goodfellow's experience with gunshot wounds led him to develop new surgical techniques, including the use of sterile procedures and the first recorded laparotomy to treat an abdominal gunshot wound. His work laid the foundation for modern trauma surgery.

Innovations in Ballistics and Surgery

Goodfellow was one of the first physicians to study the effects of bullets on the human body systematically. He published several articles on the subject, contributing to the understanding of ballistics and wound treatment. His research demonstrated the importance of removing bullets and cleaning wounds to prevent infection, a practice not widely accepted at the time.

Later Life and Legacy

George E. Goodfellow circa 1881

In the later years of his career, Goodfellow moved to San Francisco, where he continued to practice medicine until his death in 1910. He left behind a legacy of innovation in the treatment of traumatic injuries and is remembered as a pioneer in the field of trauma surgery.

Goodfellow's work influenced future generations of surgeons and helped establish protocols that are still in use today. His contributions to medical science, particularly in the context of the American frontier, highlight the importance of adaptability and innovation in the face of challenging circumstances.

Related Pages

• Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
• Tombstone, Arizona
• Virgil Earp
• Ballistics
• Trauma surgery