Joseph Cochran

Joseph Plumb Cochran

Joseph Plumb Cochran (1855–1905) was an American physician and missionary who is often credited with founding the first modern medical school in Iran. He was born in Urmi, Iran, to American missionary parents and spent much of his life working to improve healthcare and education in the region.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Cochran was born on January 14, 1855, in Urmi, Iran, to Presbyterian missionary parents. His father, Joseph Gallup Cochran, and his mother, Deborah Plumb Cochran, were among the early American missionaries in Iran. Cochran was sent to the United States for his education, where he attended Princeton University and later graduated from New York Medical College in 1876.

Medical Mission in Iran

After completing his medical education, Cochran returned to Iran in 1878. He established a medical practice in Urmi, Iran, and soon recognized the need for a formal medical education system in the region. In 1879, he founded the Westminster Hospital and the Westminster Medical College in Urmi, which became the first modern medical school in Iran. The medical school trained numerous Iranian physicians and significantly improved healthcare in the region.

Contributions to Medicine

Cochran's contributions to medicine in Iran were substantial. He introduced modern medical practices and surgical techniques to the region, which were previously unknown. He also worked on public health initiatives, including vaccination campaigns and sanitation improvements. His efforts helped to reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases and improve overall health outcomes in the community.

Legacy

Joseph Cochran's legacy in Iran is enduring. The medical school he founded continued to operate for many years, training generations of Iranian doctors. His work laid the foundation for modern medical education and healthcare in Iran. Cochran passed away on August 18, 1905, in Urmi, but his contributions to medicine and education are still remembered and celebrated.

See Also

• Medical Missionary
• History of Medicine in Iran
• Presbyterian Missionaries
• New York Medical College
• Princeton University