René Leriche (1870 - 1955) was a famous French surgeon.

Eponymous terms

René Leriche gave his name to two syndromes:

• Leriche's syndrome - Impotence and buttock claudication due to saddle embolus at the aortic bifurcation.
• Sudek-Leriche syndrome - Aseptic necrosis of bone following injury (=Sudek atrophy )

Career

Born in Roanne the son of a lawyer Leriche began his career in Lyon. In 1924 he was appointed Professor of Surgery in Strasburg. In 1927 he was made an honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in England. He was the first surgeon to be made Professeur au Collège de France.

He was a technically gifted surgeon and had flair for teaching. This attracted students to him - many of whom became renowned in their own right. He emphasised the importance of regarding the patient as a whole - the holistic approach.

Personality

Leriche was a flamboyant character who enjoyed French cuisine and fine wine. He had a fine collection of art (one of his patients was Matisse). He was an excellent public speaker who never needed notes.

References

• B.G. Firkin & J.A.Whitworth (1987). Dictionary of Medical Eponyms. Parthenon Publishing. ISBN 1-85070-333-7