William Stokes (surgeon) facts for kids
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Sir William Stokes (born March 10, 1838 – died August 18, 1900) was a famous Irish surgeon. He followed in his father's footsteps, who was also a well-known doctor. Sir William Stokes made many important contributions to medicine during his life.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Stokes was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father was also named William Stokes and was a respected physician. Young William decided to study medicine, just like his dad.
He studied medicine in Dublin and earned his M.D. degree in 1863. An M.D. stands for Doctor of Medicine. This means he was officially a doctor. He also traveled to learn more. He studied in big cities like Berlin, London, Paris, and Vienna. These were all important places for medical learning.
A Busy Medical Career
After finishing his studies, William Stokes started working in Dublin. In 1864, he became a surgeon at the Meath Hospital. This was a very important hospital in Dublin. He worked there for a few years.
Later, in 1868, he moved to the House of Industry Hospitals. This group of hospitals included the Richmond Hospital. He continued his work as a surgeon there.
Teaching and Leadership
Sir William Stokes also loved to teach. In 1871, he became a Professor of Surgery. He taught at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). This is a very old and respected medical school.
He became the President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland from 1886 to 1887. This was a big honor. It meant he was a leader among surgeons in Ireland. In the same year, 1886, he was made a knight. This is why he is called "Sir" William Stokes.
In 1888, he went back to work at the Meath Hospital. He also became a special surgeon to Queen Victoria in 1892. This was a very high position.
Work in South Africa and Later Life
In 1900, Sir William Stokes traveled to South Africa. He went there to help the British soldiers. He worked as a consulting surgeon during a war against the Boers.
While he was in South Africa, he became very sick. He got a lung illness called pleurisy. Sadly, he died in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He was buried in a military cemetery there.
Sir William Stokes was married to Elizabeth Moore in 1869. They had one son and two daughters. He also wrote several books about surgery. These books shared his knowledge with other doctors.
