Robert McDonnell (surgeon) facts for kids

Robert McDonnell, FRS (born March 15, 1828 – died May 6, 1889) was an important Irish surgeon. He was known for his medical work and for helping people, even during wars. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a big honor for scientists.

Robert McDonnell's Life Story

Robert McDonnell was born in Dublin on March 15, 1828. He was the second son of Dr. John McDonnell. Robert studied at home before going to Trinity College, Dublin, in 1844. He trained to be a doctor, first with Richard Carmichael and then with Robert Moore Peile.

Becoming a Doctor

He earned his medical degrees in 1850. He then got his license from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1851 and became a fellow there in 1853. To learn even more, he traveled to famous medical centers in Edinburgh, Paris, and Vienna.

Helping in the Crimean War

In 1855, Robert McDonnell went to Smyrna to help at a British hospital during the Crimean War. He bravely volunteered to work as a surgeon in the main hospital near Sebastopol. He stayed there until the end of the war. For his service, he received medals from both Britain and Turkey.

Teaching and Hospital Work

After the war, in 1856, he started teaching anatomy at the Carmichael School of Medicine. He later taught anatomy and physiology there. He continued his medical studies and earned more degrees in 1857 and 1864. In 1863, he became a surgeon at Jervis Street Hospital in Dublin. Three years later, he was elected surgeon at Dr Steevens' Hospital and became a professor there.

Standing Up for Prisoners

In 1857, McDonnell also became the medical leader at Mountjoy Prison. He believed that doctors should have the final say on how prisoners were fed and cared for. He disagreed with the prison board on these important issues. He resigned in 1867 because of these disagreements. He fought to get his pension, which he then gave to a medical charity.

Leading Medical Groups

Robert McDonnell was a respected leader in the medical field. He was chosen twice by Trinity College to be part of the university council. For several years, he was an examiner at the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, and he became its president in 1877. In 1885, he was elected president of the Academy of Medicine in Ireland, a position he held for three years. He was also a member of the Royal Society, a very important scientific group, joining in 1865.

He passed away suddenly at his home in Merrion Square, Dublin, on May 6, 1889. He was married twice and had one son.

Robert McDonnell's Writings

Robert McDonnell did not write any books. However, he wrote many important papers about surgery and science. He also helped edit a collection of works by another famous surgeon, Abraham Colles, in 1881.