Leonard, Ellis Pierson

Abstract

Memorial Statement for Professor Ellis Pierson Leonard, D.V.M. (1904-1991) who was Department Chairman and Director of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital's Small Animal Clinic (1948-1969) and was elected Emeritus Professor (1969) of Small Animal Surgery at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. "As director of the small Animal Clinic, Dr. Leonard made extensive recommendations for the new construction of College facilities," including glass cages, heated outdoor runs, and sterile surgical suites. "Dr. Leonard is credited with introducing and promoting aseptic techniques to veterinary medicine." As an orthopedic surgeon, he was a pioneer and did innovative work in treating intervertebral disc diseases, designing orthopedic carts for patient rehabilitation, and developing techniques for the internal fixation of fractures and canine hip prostheses. He was also "a superb soft tissue surgeon noted for his cardiac and intestinal surgery." In addition to his clinical work and teaching veterinary students, Dr. Leonard authored two surgical textbooks, "Fundamentals of Small Animal Surgery" (1968) and "Orthopedic Surgery of the Dog and Cat" (1960, 1971). During his 21 years of retirement, he compiled several historical books, including a two-volume the history of the College (1979 and 1982) and a third for the Centennial of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society. The memorial statements contained herein were prepared by the Office of the Dean of the University Faculty of Cornell University to honor its faculty for their service to the university.