Author: imsschicago

The International Museum of Surgical Science, a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery, and an exquisite permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine. The Museum supports its Mission through medically thematized exhibitions and programs, in addition to a strong contemporary art exhibition program. The Mission of the Museum is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine. In support of this, we are committed to: -Portraying through exhibits and other appropriate media, the art and science of surgery, and related subjects. -Providing programs and services for the education and enjoyment of the public, students, and the medical profession. -Preserving our collection for the education, inspiration, and aesthetic enrichment of future generations. -Gaining recognition as a leader among medical and health museums worldwide.
Posted on

Plastic Surgery, Of Past and Present (Part 1)

Published by Sarah Pinsky Current understanding and opinion of plastic surgery is largely based on television and social media. Since plastic surgery is so connected to these modern-day technologies, people are often surprised to learn that it is not a new medical specialty that focuses exclusively on cosmetic procedures, but rather an established practice that … Continue reading Plastic Surgery, Of Past and Present (Part 1)

Posted on

Tours, Trephinations, and Tumors: Summer as an Education Intern

Published by Anupama Suresh As I walked by the sculptures in the Hall of Immortals or peered into a glass case filled with trephined skulls, I was mesmerized by the Museum. I learned about the discoveries that made surgery possible today, from the different forms of anesthesia used to the introduction of antiseptics. I had … Continue reading Tours, Trephinations, and Tumors: Summer as an Education Intern

Posted on

History of Physician Gender Dynamics in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Published by Anupama Suresh Painting depicting the first successful cesarean section in Latin America in 1844. By Enrique Grau. xx1995.814.3 International Museum of Surgical Science Collection When I first saw this painting, my eyes were drawn to the bloody abdominal incision. C-section,  my brain immediately informed me. Next, my gaze shifted up the umbilical cord … Continue reading History of Physician Gender Dynamics in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Posted on

The Fabrication of Anatomy

Published by Annagh Devitt Most visitors to the Museum recognize something “off” about this skeleton. This ‘something’ is hard to pin down; perhaps it is the unsettling face, or the way the shoulders stick out a little too far, or maybe it is the artistic rendering of the humerus that curves like the end of … Continue reading The Fabrication of Anatomy

Posted on

Namir Fearce announced as Summer-Fall 2019 Artist-in-Residence

IMSS selects Namir Fearce for position of Artist-in-Residence for Summer-Fall 2019 June 2019 – October 2019N Namir Fearce is an interdisciplinary artist residing in Chicago, by way of North Minneapolis. His practices include experimental film, sculpture, painting, audio, and performance. Fluidity is central to his practice, drawing on a constellation of references and sites of … Continue reading Namir Fearce announced as Summer-Fall 2019 Artist-in-Residence

Posted on

The Uncanny Space Between Networks, Interfaces and Bodies

Published by Jon Chambers Electricity is still fairly mysterious and magical. It runs our entire networked infrastructure and we seldom see it unless we are watching a thunderstorm or an electronic device experiences a catastrophic failure. We plug our devices, computers, phones and WiFi routers into a hole in the wall that supplies us with … Continue reading The Uncanny Space Between Networks, Interfaces and Bodies