Neurosurgery
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Biography Historical Article
Harvey Cushing and Claude Beck: a surgical legacy.
Harvey cushing's contribution to neurosurgery and other surgical specialties has been profound. The accomplishments of his many pupils have further immortalized Cushing's role as a pioneering advocate of surgical science. Claude S. ⋯ Beck's first encounter with Cushing evoked a spirit of fraternity and fashioned a respect and loyalty to Cushing that lasted for the duration of Beck's career. Cushing's personality and the methods by which he perpetuated a rich surgical tradition are illuminated by details of Beck's stay at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital as a Cabot Fellow in Cushing's laboratory, by diary accounts of his later 6-week visit in 1927, and by the numerous telling correspondences between the two men. This article traces Beck's association with Cushing and provides unique insights into Cushing, his Cleveland connections, and his neurosurgical service at the Brigham.