Gustavus M. Blech

Dr. Gustavus M. Blech (November 28, 1870, in Germany-August 9, 1949, in Chicago, IL) was a Chicago, Illinois, physician, surgeon, and medical educator.

After immigrating to the United States, he earned his MD degree from Barnes Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri, in 1894.

He served as surgeon-in-chief, Lincoln Hospital, Chicago; professor of clinical surgery, medical department, Loyola University Chicago; director-in-chief of the Illinois Legion, American Red Cross, and major, Illinois Infantry Medical Corps.

Elsevier, a leading medical publisher, called him a “pioneer in the use of physical methods in surgery.” He won the Gold Key Award from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine in 1933, ans was awarded the Order of St. George, Knight Grand Cross with Great Star and Grand Cordon, by the British government, 1937

Dr. Blech was frequently published. He was editor of the Journal of Physical Therapy. He had research articles published in medical journals, including the American Journal of the Medical Sciences and Military Surgeon.

Dr. Blech authored the following books: “The Practitioner’s Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases of Women” “Clinical Electrosurgery” “A Handbook of First Aid in Accidents, Emergencies, Poisoning, and Sun Stroke.” “Practical Suggestions in Borderland Surgery.” Co-authored the book “Medical Tactics and Logistics.” Wrote a chapter in the book “The Therapeutical Applications of Peroxide of Hydrogen, Glycozone, Hydrozone, and Eye Balsam.” Wrote a chapter in the book “Diseases of Children.” Wrote a chapter in the book “The Military Surgeon.” Translated the book “Hyperemia as a Therapeutic Agent” by August Bier.

At the time of his death, he was married to Nelda Tschirley Blech.