Dr. Roy Glenwood Spurling: The University of Louisville School of Medicine’ s Most Famous Professor
by BEHRAD BAKHTIARI SIRJANI, M2, & MORTON KASDAN, MD
Sc h o l a r, professor, visionary, trailblazer: these are but a few of the words that scratch the surface in capturing the essence of the world-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Roy Glenwood Spurling. A titan in his field, Dr. Spurling’ s lasting impact on neurosurgery continues to influence medical institutions and surgical history. Although recognized as a Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery by the University of Louisville School of Medicine at his retirement, few truly grasp the profound influence he displayed not only within the UofL medical community but also across the broader landscape of neurosurgery.
Dr. Spurling was born on Sept. 6, 1894, in Centralia, Missouri. From a young age, Spurling demonstrated natural leadership abilities, being elected president of his high school senior class in 1913. 1 He was also a violoncellist which would prove invaluable, as he used his musical abilities to support himself through undergraduate education at the University of Missouri. 2 Spurling earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1920 and graduated with honors from Harvard Medical School in 1923. During his time at Harvard, Spurling worked in the laboratory of Dr. George Minot, studying the effects of x-rays on leukocytes. 1
Following his graduation from medical school, Spurling completed two years as a surgical resident house officer at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. 2 It was during this time that he had his first exposure to the neurosurgeon Dr. Harvey Cushing, who would become a significant influence on Spurling’ s career. 1 In 1926, Dr. Spurling joined the University of Louisville General Hospital teaching unit for one year as a surgical resident. 2 Initially planning a career in general surgery, Spurling’ s interest in neurosurgery became more intense shortly after his arrival in Louisville. In 1927, just one year after joining the university, Dr. Spurling, with encouragement from Dean Stuart Graves, established the first neurosurgical service.
Dr. Spurling’ s impact on the University of Louisville School of Medicine cannot be overstated. He remained in charge of the neurosurgical service until his retirement in 1960. Beginning as one of the last self-trained neurosurgeons, he transformed the department into a center of excellence. 2 Spurling was known for his innovative approach to both clinical practice and teaching, which included the use of antibiotics, routine dural closures, the use of fibrin foam
and thrombin and the aggressive treatment of epilepsy. 1 He quickly became a favorite among students and the house staff. His Saturday morning“ All American Ward Round,” where he collaborated with Drs. J. Murray Kinsman and T. C. Smith from medicine and pediatrics, became legendary and earned them the title of“ the Three Wise Men.” 1 Under Spurling’ s leadership, the neurosurgical residency program was established in 1946 at the University of Louisville.
Dr. Spurling’ s contributions to neurosurgery extended far beyond the University of Louisville. His bibliography includes over 100 scientific articles and four monographs. 1 Although his work covered a wide range of topics, he is perhaps best known for his publications on intervertebral disc diseases. 3, 4 In 1935, he published the first edition of“ Practical Neurological Diagnosis, with Special Reference to the Problems of Neurosurgery,” which became a resource for medical students and residents. The popularity of this publication was evidenced by its six subsequent editions with the final one released in 1960.
Spurling’ s organizational leadership was further displayed in
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