Surgery: From Brutal to Brilliant

Modern surgery is one of medicine’s greatest success stories, but it wasn’t always that way. For centuries, surgery was performed without anesthesia, before germs were understood, and with few effective treatments for infection. This two-session class traces the remarkable evolution of surgery—from barber-surgeons and battlefield amputations to organ transplants, robotic surgery, and other lifesaving innovations. Along the way, you'll discover the people, breakthroughs, and surprising stories that transformed one of history’s most brutal practices into one of its greatest medical achievements.

Murray Norcross, M.D., M.P.H., is a 30-year career U.S. Navy medical officer and family physician who has served in the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror. An eyewitness to many historic events of the past 30 years, Murray served two staff tours in Washington, D.C., deployed in support of several Joint Task Forces, and was stationed overseas for six years, split between Bahrain and Japan. Murray holds master’s degrees in international relations, public health and health care administration. He is an avid photographer, writer, researcher, artist and lifelong learner.