“S” is for Sims, James Marion [1813-1883]. Gynecologist, surgeon. A native of Lancaster District, Sims obtained his medical Degree from Jefferson Medical College and then established a practice in Alabama. Between 1844 and 1849 he developed a surgical method for the repair of the debilitating condition known as vesico-vaginal fistula. Among his patients were a number of slave women. Having perfected his surgery in repeated experiments on his slave patients, he moved to New York where he opened a charity hospital to instruct fellow physicians. In 1861 he traveled to Europe were he soon acquired an elite referral practice that included Empress Eugenie of France and Empress Elizabeth of Austria. Returning to New York, James Marion Sims became president of the American Medical Association and a founding member and president of the American Gynecological Society.
“S” is for Sims, James Marion
