Background
Pusey, William Allen was born on December 1, 1865 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, United States. Son of Robert B. and Bell (Brown) Pusey.
Pusey, William Allen was born on December 1, 1865 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, United States. Son of Robert B. and Bell (Brown) Pusey.
Bachelor of Arts, Vanderbilt University, 1885, Master of Arts, 1886 (Phi Beta Kappa). Doctor of Medicine University Medical College (New York University), 1888. Doctor of Laws, University of New Mexico, 1925.
He advocated for the use of radiation in the treatment of skin diseases and he was an expert in the study of syphilis. Pusey authored several books, including the first history of dermatology that had been written in English. Interested in the specialty of dermatology, he went to Europe to train and practice for a while.
Upon returning to the United States, he briefly took over his father"s practice in Elizabethtown.
He also worked as an examiner for the New York Life Insurance Company. In 1894, Pusey became the head of the new dermatology department at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago ("P&South").
He served in that capacity until 1915, also treating patients at Cook County Hospital. He was an early proponent of treating skin conditions with radiation.
He also became an expert in the treatment of syphilis and criticized the widespread use of arsenic in the management of the condition.
Pusey also wrote the first English-language history of dermatology. He was also president of the American Medical Association (American Medical Association) in 1924-1925. During his term as American Medical Association president, Pusey decried the costs associated with medical education.
He criticized the fact that medical schools remained out of reach for those from poor rural backgrounds, which he said resulted in physician shortages in many rural areas.
After Pusey retired from P&South, the school named him an honorary professor He spent 16 years as the editor of the Archives of Dermatology and Syphilology.
In 1940, Pusey died at his Chicago home.
Member Commision on Medical Education, 1925-1932. Member Executive Committee National. Member numerous professional societies.
Chairman commission on venereal diseases of Surgical General’ General’ General’ s Office United States of America, 1917-1918.
Married Sallie Warfield Cunningham.