Milwaukee, April 28, 2022 – Gordon L. Telford, MD, professor emeritus at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), is the author of a new biography of Franklin H. Martin, MD, founder of the American College of Surgeons. “Franklin H. Martin, MD, FACS: From rural boyhood to distinguished surgeon” details Dr. Martin's childhood in rural Wisconsin and his accomplished medical career. The book provides insight into how Dr. Martin’s illustrious work ethic, solidified during his early years working a variety of jobs, propelled Dr. Martin to clinical and academic success in medicine. Dr. Martin is celebrated as the founder of both the Clinical Congress of the Surgeons of North America (1910) and the American College of Surgeons (1913).

“This book provides insight into the impact of Dr. Franklin Martin’s early years in Wisconsin on his later accomplishments and hypothesizes that his rural upbringing helped him become a great leader. The book also describes 10 other very accomplished surgeons and two other accomplished individuals that benefitted from a rural-based farm upbringing,” said Dr. Telford.

Dr. Telford joined the MCW surgical faculty in 1982 as an assistant professor in the division of general surgery. He became professor in 1994 and continued his work with the division through his retirement in 2017. During his time at MCW, Dr. Telford served in several leadership roles including as Division Chief of General Surgery, and Chief of Surgical Services from 2006-2017 at Zablocki VA Medical Center.

The book is available on Amazon and in local bookstores in Oconomowoc and Watertown, Wisconsin.