Origin of the Word ‘Anesthesiology’: Mathias J. Seifert, MD

Abstract

The word ‘anesthesiology’ was coined in 1902 by Mathias J. Seifert, MD, of Chicago, Illinois. Seifert was an accomplished musician before he commenced his medical training. After graduation in 1901 he held academic positions in medicine and gynaecology before being appointed Professor of Physical Diagnosis and Anesthesiology at the College of Dentistry, University of Illinois. He was later appointed Professor of Surgery at the Chicago Hospital College of Medicine.