Howard Atwood Kelly

Howard Atwood Kelly ( born February 20, 1858 in Camden, New Jersey; † January 12, 1943 ) was one of the most famous gynecologists in the United States at that time. He was one of the Big Four of the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Kelly came from very poor and his family managed with difficulty to finance the education of children. Despite all the effort, he studied at the University of Pennsylvania Medicine, where he earned the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1877. After his doctorate in medicine in 1882, he was from 1888 lecturer specializing in obstetrics. During his stay in Philadelphia, he was involved in the founding of the Kensington Hospital. His reputation as a young, dynamic doctor helped him to obtain a professorship at the newly founded Johns Hopkins Hospital. Together with William Henry Welch, William Osler and William Stewart Halsted he was considered one of the Big Four. Between 1889 and 1899 Kelly shifted the focus of his work of obstetrics and gynecology for pure gynecology. Here he developed many new techniques and was considered a pioneer in radiation therapy.

His works have earned him worldwide recognition. Thus, honorary doctorates, he was awarded by various universities. These include the University of Aberdeen and the Washington and Lee University.

In 1907, Kelly was appointed President of the Southern Surgical and Gynecological Society, from 1912 president of the American Gynecological Society. His excellent reputation helped him also to be an elected member of Gynecologic companies in different European countries.

Kelly has published more than 300 articles.