Over 150 years of history is featured just outside our Chairman's office. Edmund Andrews was first to lead the surgical section of the Northwestern University Medical School (now Feinberg School of Medicine) from 1859-1896. There were no divisions into formal departments until 1896. The Department of Surgery was established in 1896 with Christian Fenger as Chairman.

Surgery Chairmen

2007 - Present
Nathaniel J. Soper

2006 - 2007
Nathaniel J. Soper
(Interim Chairman)

2000-2006
Richard H. Bell, Jr

1997-2000
James S. T. Yao
(Interim Chairman)

1982-1997
David L. Nahrwold

1963-1982
John M. Beal

1932-1963
Loyal Davis

1929-1932
Harry M. Richter

1919-1929
Allen B. Kanavel

1916-1919
E. Wyllys Andrews

1908-1916
John B. Murphy

1899-1908
Weller Van Hook

1896-1899
Christian Fenger

1859-1896*
Edmund Andrews

*At the time that Northwestern University Medical School was established there were no divisions into departments; however, Edmund Andrews led the surgical section for thirty-seven years until the establishment of formal departments.