January 20, 2006

In memoriam: Bradford Cannon, MD

Bradford Cannon, MD, a longtime plastic surgeon at the MGH, died Dec. 20 in Lincoln, Mass. He was 98.

Cannon was one of the first plastic and reconstructive surgeons at the hospital. He was part of a team of physicians who, following the devastating Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire in 1942, sought to change accepted practices in treating patients with serious burn injuries. For example, instead of using tannic acid on the burned areas, his team promoted the excision and grafting of the damaged skin — a practice still used today. He also advocated for other changes — such as wound management by using protective coverings throughout the healing process, proper therapy for patients in anticipation of shock, the control of infection, proper nutritional management and assistance with psychological adjustment to injury. Cannon also treated thousands of soldiers disfigured by burns during World War II.

Cannon was the son of eminent MGH physician Walter Bradford Cannon. In 1969, he was named the first chief of Plastic Surgery, and the following year he helped establish the hospital's first plastic surgery residency program.

A memorial service will be held Feb. 18, at 2 pm at the First Parish Church in Lincoln.