1931 when he suggested the creation of a new national neurosurgical society. Having visited Boston numerous times to observe Dr. Cushing over the years, he helped lead the formation of the Harvey Cushing Society in 1932. He served as the inaugural secretary and later became the second president of the organization. 1 The second annual meeting of the Harvey Cushing Society took place at the Norton Infirmary in Louisville. 1 The society later became the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Spurling played a crucial role in the formation of the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1939. He assumed significant leadership roles within the organization, initially serving as its first secretary-treasurer before ascending to the position of chairman.
Dr. Spurling’ s service during World War II was marked by extraordinary achievements. As Assistant Chief of Surgery at Walter Reed Hospital, he established the first neurosurgical service in the U. S. Army, revolutionizing the treatment of neurological injuries. 2 His pioneering work in disc surgery and peripheral nerve injuries set new standards of care developed in military and Veterans Affairs hospitals. 2 In 1944 Spurling › s expertise led to his appointment as the neurosurgical consultant to the Army in the European Theater, a position held by Dr. Cushing in World War I. 1 This role allowed him to significantly influence neurosurgical practices for years.
Perhaps one of the most notable episodes of Spurling’ s military service came after the war had ended. In December 1945, while en route to Louisville, Spurling received an urgent order to return to Europe. General George S. Patton III, the renowned leader of the Third Army in France and Germany, had suffered a severe cervical spine injury in a car accident near Mannheim, Germany. Spurling’ s expertise was called upon to treat the general’ s critical condition, which involved a compression fracture and dislocation at C3-4 resulting in quadriplegia. 1 For the 12 days between Patton’ s injury and his eventual death from a pulmonary embolus, Spurling assumed the role of the official physician and spokesperson, carefully managing the release of information to a world anxiously awaiting updates on the condition of one of America’ s most celebrated military figures. 1
After returning to Louisville in 1946, he continued to make significant contributions. He served as senior neurosurgical consultant for the Veterans’ Administration system from 1946 to 1953. 1 Spurling collaborated with co-editor Dr. Michael E. DeBakey of the American Lecture Series for an impressive 16 years. 1 His military contributions were recognized with several honors, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Battle Star and the American Campaign Medal. 1, 2 The culmination of Dr. Spurling’ s illustrious career was marked by“ Glen Spurling Day” on May 20, 1961. 1 Friends from across the U. S. gathered to honor a man whose contributions had inspired generations of neurosurgeons.
Conversations with two prominent local neurosurgeons, Drs. Christopher Shields and John Guarnaschelli, revealed their profound appreciation for Dr. Spurling’ s instrumental role in establishing residency programs and strategically distributing neurosurgical expertise across the U. S., particularly in the post-war era. Dr. Guarnaschelli specifically highlighted Spurling’ s influence on Dr. Frank H. Mayfield’ s career trajectory, which led him to Cincinnati. This decision had far-reaching impact, as evidenced by the Mayfield Brain
& Spine Center’ s current status as one of the most renowned clinics for neurological diseases. Dr. Shields, drawing from extensive information provided by Spurling’ s personal secretary, Natalie Burdette, emphasized Spurling’ s character as a“ true gentleman.” The depth of respect and admiration for Spurling was further exemplified by the numerous tributes he received upon his retirement, underscoring his significant impact on neurosurgery and his colleagues. Several excerpts from these letters of tribute are presented below:
Dr. Barnes Woodhall, founder of the brain tumor program at Duke and collaborator with Drs. Spurling, Whitcomb, Mayfield and Grantham in compiling a summary of the history of neurosurgery during World War II, stated:“ I have never seen a more spontaneous outpouring of love and affection for a mean old goat such as yourself in all my life.” Dr. Thomas J. Connelley, a neurosurgeon from Sydney, Australia, remarked:“ I would like to particularly pay tribute to your very great kindness to a stranger from a foreign country. Your open-hearted assistance, both personally and professionally, made my stay in Louisville of the very greatest value.” Dr. Paul C. Bucy, a neurosurgeon from Northwestern University and Chicago Memorial Hospital and successor of Spurling as secretary-treasurer of the Harvey Cushing Society, said:“ In all the years that I have known you I have always had an intense admiration for your familiarity with what was going on all over the world in neurological surgery, for your knowledge of what had been done and often of what was going to be done in this field.”
Dr. Spurling’ s extraordinary legacy, reminds us of the power of unwavering dedication and vision in advancing medical science. His pioneering work at the University of Louisville created a center of excellence for neurosurgery. His influence continues today. His life and career serve as a beacon of inspiration to current and future generations of medical professionals, embodying the ideals of innovation, leadership and service that continue to this day.
References:
1
Shields CB, Shields LBE. R. Glen Spurling: surgeon, author, and neurosurgical visionary. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2002; 96( 6): 1147-1153. doi: 10.3171 / jns. 2002.96.6.1147
2
Dr. Roy Glenwood Spurling, 1894 – 1968. Journal of Neurosurgery. 1968; 28( 6): 610-612. doi: 10.3171 / jns. 1968.28.6.0610
3
Bradford F, Spurling R. The Intervertebral Disc with Special Reference to Rupture of the Annulus Fibrosus with Herniation of the Nucleus Pulposus. Charles C Thomas; 1941.
4
Mixter W, Barr J. Rupture of the intervertebral disc with involvement of the spinal canal. N Engl J Med. 1934; 211:210-215. doi: https:// doi. org / 10.1056 / NEJM193408022110506
5
Personal thanks to Drs. John Guarnaschelli, Christopher Shields and Lisa Shields for many hours of education and assistance.
Behrad Bakhtiari Sirjani is a second-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
Dr. Kasdan is an emeritus clinical professor of plastic surgery and resides in Louisville, Kentucky.
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