Sushruta (CA 600 BCE) Father of Surgery

Sushruta, often regarded as the Father of Surgery, was an ancient Indian physician whose contributions to medicine and surgery are recorded in the famous text Sushruta Samhita. Written around 600 BCE, this work is one of the earliest known surgical manuals in the world. It describes over 300 surgical procedures and more than 120 surgical instruments, including techniques for plastic surgery, cataract removal, and fracture treatment. Sushruta emphasized the importance of anatomy, dissection, and practical training, laying the foundation for modern surgical practices. He advised careful observation, ethical practice, and detailed record-keeping, which became fundamental principles in medicine. His text also provides guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, prenatal care, and the use of medicinal herbs, showing a holistic approach to healthcare. Many of his surgical techniques, such as reconstructive surgery and techniques to remove foreign objects from the body, were far ahead of his time.