Allen Oldfather Whipple (September 2, 1881–April 6, 1963) was an American surgeon who is known for the pancreatic cancer operation which bears his name (the Whipple procedure) as well as Whipple's triad. Whipple was born in Urmia, Iran (then called Persia). He became professor of surgery at Columbia University where he served from 1921 to 1946. He began work on the procedure for resection of the pancreas (pancreaticoduodenectomy) in 1935 and his original technique has since been modified greatly. In 1940, he shortened the procedure into a one-stage process. During his lifetime, Dr. Whipple performed 37 pancreaticoduodenectomies. He also is known for developing the diagnostic triad for insulinoma known as Whipple's triad. Whipple later became president of the American College of Physicians and Surgeons. He also was trustee of Princeton University and was a recipient of the 1958 Woodrow Wilson Award.
References
- Whipple AO. Observations on radical surgery for lesions of the pancreas. Surg Gyn Obst 1946;82:62.
- Whipple Website: Allen Oldfather Whipple
- The Whipple Procedure, by John A. Chabot, M.D.
