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Who Was the Doctor Who Treated Abraham Lincoln?

Published in Lincoln Assassination Medical Care 2 mins read

The doctor who was the first medical professional to treat Abraham Lincoln immediately after he was shot at Ford's Theatre was Dr. Charles Augustus Leale.

The Immediate Medical Response to Abraham Lincoln

On the evening of April 14, 1865, following the assassination attempt on President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, a young doctor quickly came to his aid. This individual was Dr. Charles Augustus Leale, a 23-year-old assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army. He was present in the theatre and, upon hearing the gunshot and the subsequent commotion, promptly rushed to the President's box.

Dr. Charles Augustus Leale's Critical Actions

Dr. Leale was the first medical professional to reach President Lincoln. His immediate actions were crucial in assessing the President's condition and providing what care was possible at the scene:

  • Initial Assessment: Upon entering the box, Dr. Leale quickly examined President Lincoln, discovering the fatal bullet wound behind his left ear.
  • Immediate Intervention: Recognizing the severity, he cleared a blood clot from the wound, which momentarily eased the President's labored breathing. This action was not a cure, but an attempt to alleviate immediate distress.
  • Prognosis: After his initial examination, Dr. Leale accurately determined the wound was mortal, famously stating, "His wound is mortal; it is impossible for him to recover."
  • Supervision of Transfer: Dr. Leale then oversaw the careful movement of the gravely wounded President from the theatre across the street to the Petersen House, where Lincoln would spend his final hours. He remained by the President's side, continuing to attend to him throughout the night until his death the following morning.

Dr. Charles Leale's swift response and professional conduct in the immediate aftermath of the assassination highlighted his critical role as the young doctor who came to the aid of a slain President, providing essential, albeit ultimately unavailing, medical attention during one of the most tragic moments in American history.