The same man also invented the modern training method for doctors, residency.
Did he develop it as a way to cover up his morphine and cocaine addictions? Possibly. Is working 100-120 hours a week easier on cocaine? Also possibly.
I swear to god the entire medical profession is designed to be conducted on cocaine, the hours and requirements make no fucking sense otherwise
Wow, Wikipedia agrees on this:
This play is so good. I’ve used that monologue to audition and it never fails to elicit a smile or some other reaction. The person speaking is reasoning away why he cheated on his wife but still.
To the point of invention
He also pioneered the “Halsted” radical mastectomy treatment for breast cancer, basically a full mastectomy including pectoral muscles and armpit lymph nodes.