George McClellan (anatomy professor)

George McClellan (1796-1847) was an American surgeon and anatomy professor best known for founding Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

McClellan received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1819. He became a prominent figure in anatomical education, advocating for a more hands-on, practical approach to learning anatomy rather than relying solely on lectures and textbook readings. He believed that direct dissection was crucial for effective medical training.

Frustrated with the existing limitations and traditional methods at the University of Pennsylvania's medical school, McClellan spearheaded the effort to establish a new, independent medical college. This led to the founding of Jefferson Medical College in 1824, where he served as a professor of surgery and anatomy.

McClellan was a skilled surgeon and known for his innovative surgical techniques. He wrote extensively on surgical topics and played a significant role in advancing medical education and practice in the United States during the early 19th century. Despite his accomplishments, he faced controversy during his career, including disagreements with colleagues and ethical concerns regarding cadaver procurement for anatomical study, issues not uncommon in the medical field at that time.