Gorgas

Gorgas can refer to several notable individuals and institutions, primarily associated with the field of medicine and public health. The name is most commonly associated with William Crawford Gorgas, a pioneering figure in the eradication of yellow fever and malaria.

William Crawford Gorgas

William Crawford Gorgas (October 3, 1854 – July 3, 1920) was a United States Army physician and 22nd Surgeon General of the United States Army. He is best known for his work in controlling the spread of yellow fever and malaria by implementing sanitation measures in the Panama Canal Zone.

Early Life and Education

Gorgas was born in Mobile, Alabama, the son of Josiah Gorgas and Amelia Gayle Gorgas. He graduated from the University of the South in 1875 and received his medical degree from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1879.

Career

Gorgas joined the United States Army Medical Corps in 1880. His early career included assignments in various locations where he gained experience in dealing with tropical diseases. His most significant contribution came during his tenure in the Panama Canal Zone, where he implemented widespread sanitation measures that drastically reduced the incidence of yellow fever and malaria, enabling the successful completion of the Panama Canal.

Legacy

Gorgas' work had a lasting impact on public health and tropical medicine. He was instrumental in the development of modern sanitation practices and vector control methods. Several institutions and locations have been named in his honor, including the Gorgas Memorial Institute of Tropical and Preventive Medicine and the Gorgas Hospital in Panama.

Gorgas Memorial Institute of Tropical and Preventive Medicine

The Gorgas Memorial Institute of Tropical and Preventive Medicine was established to continue the work of William Crawford Gorgas in the field of tropical medicine. The institute focuses on research and education related to tropical diseases and public health.

Gorgas Hospital

Gorgas Hospital, originally known as Ancon Hospital, was a medical facility in the Panama Canal Zone. It was renamed in honor of William Crawford Gorgas in recognition of his contributions to public health and the successful completion of the Panama Canal.

Related Pages

• Yellow fever
• Malaria
• Panama Canal
• United States Army Medical Corps
• Surgeon General of the United States Army
• Josiah Gorgas
• Amelia Gayle Gorgas
• Gorgas Memorial Institute of Tropical and Preventive Medicine
• Gorgas Hospital