Alfred Worcester

[3][4] Worcester is considered a pioneer in the organization, practice, training, and science of medical and nursing care.

In the 1880s, appendicitis was treated expectantly, by waiting for a walled-off abscess to form, with incision and drainage via anterior or posterior approach.

Later, he found that he could operate before the appendix had ruptured and prevent generalized peritonitis and abscess formation, which greatly reduced morbidity and mortality.

The reports of his cases and the disagreement between him and the other surgeons of Boston demonstrate the evolution of medical and surgical practice and the contribution of generalists to specialty care.

Dame Cicely Saunders, the leader of the palliative care movement in the United Kingdom, was inspired by Worcester's book during her training.

[13] In this book, Worcester states: The relief and comfort of our aged patients should be our aim, rather than the prolongation of their lives.

But this is hardly a true distinction, for the relief and comfort given to an aged patient often effect the prolongation of life if only by restoring the willingness to live.… discomfort and suffering are only too possible in the earlier stages of dying.

If he is unremitting in his attention to the patient he will eventually win the confidence and gratitude of the family; and meanwhile, what is of far more worth, he will have the satisfaction of knowing that he is doing as he would be done by.