Hedley Atkins

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Hedley Atkins (1905–1983) was a prominent British surgeon and a leading figure in the field of breast cancer treatment. He made significant contributions to the understanding and management of breast cancer and held several prestigious positions throughout his career.

Early Life and Education

Hedley John Barnard Atkins was born on December 30, 1905, in London, England. He was educated at St Paul's School and later attended Guy's Hospital Medical School, where he completed his medical training. He qualified as a doctor in 1928.

Medical Career

Atkins began his career at Guy's Hospital, where he worked under the mentorship of Sir Arthur Hurst. He quickly developed an interest in oncology, particularly in the treatment of breast cancer. In 1934, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS).

Contributions to Breast Cancer Treatment

Atkins was a pioneer in the field of breast cancer surgery. He advocated for the use of radical mastectomy in the treatment of breast cancer, a procedure that involves the removal of the entire breast, underlying chest muscle, and lymph nodes. His work helped to establish radical mastectomy as a standard treatment for breast cancer during his time.

Academic and Professional Achievements

In addition to his clinical work, Atkins was a prolific researcher and author. He published numerous papers on breast cancer and other surgical topics. He was appointed as a professor of surgery at King's College London and served as the President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England from 1967 to 1970.

Later Life and Legacy

Atkins retired from active surgical practice in 1971 but continued to contribute to the medical field through teaching and writing. He passed away on November 26, 1983. His legacy lives on through the many surgeons he trained and the advancements he made in breast cancer treatment.

See Also

• Breast cancer
• Radical mastectomy
• Royal College of Surgeons of England
• King's College London
• Guy's Hospital