So, why is he so important to you? Because Virchow discovered leukemia cells. With cancer being one of the prominent killer diseases worldwide, Virchow remains as one of the most important figures. Even today, his work and research is referenced to further advance what we know today about social medicine and pathology. He produced over 2,000 books and articles on medicine, anthropology, and politics.
His most important contribution to pathology was the finding that disease originates at a cellular level. His second most important contribution lies in his advancements of ischemic heart disease. In fact, this disease is also known as "Virchow's Disease." Ischemia was a term chosen by Rudolf to describe the results of totally stopping or diminishing the blood supply to some structure in the human body. This structure could be as small as a human cell, or as large as an organ, such as the heart muscle.
Today, Virchow's Triad for Thrombogenesis is simply invaluable to scientists. This triad simply explains the three contributing factors to thrombus formation. These three factors are as follows:
- abnormalities in blood flow,
- blood constituents, and
- the vessel wall.
Virchow's contributions do not stop at his involvement in pathology or research. When Rudolf Virchow was sent out to investigate a typhus epidemic in Upper Silesia, he was only 27 years old. It was at this time that Virchow spoke out for his patients. Politically, Virchow fought that public health demands "full and unrestrained democracy" and that leaving patients powerless over their circumstances would lead to worsening conditions that could be fatal. Virchow was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement. He gave the ill a voice and fought for public healthcare at a time when it was extremely frowned upon.
Virchow left a solid imprint in our world. His work and efforts are still being carried out through many doctors, scientists, voluntary research patients, and researchers. To read from the great Virchow, he has contributed to literature greatly as well and his works are made widely available. Among his many works are Cellular Pathology as Based upon Physiological and Pathological Histology (1859),
Post-Mortem Examinations, with Especial Reference to Medico-Legal Practice (1880),Disease, Life, and Man: Selected essays (1958, posthumous), and
Collected Essays on Public Health and Epidemiology (1985, posthumous). More information can be found on Virchow's life and role in pathology HERE.
I also highly recommend How We Die, a phenomenal book written by Sherwin B. Nuland. Nuland also discusses Rudolf Virchow in brief detail.
Thank you to my colleague, Scott Tetz, for his incredible recommendations and patience.
