Michael R. Harrison, born on May 5, 1943, in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, stands as a truly transformative figure in the field of modern medicine. His visionary leadership and groundbreaking contributions to pediatric surgery have fundamentally reshaped how medical professionals approach certain congenital conditions, earning him the widely recognized and revered moniker, "father of fetal surgery."

A Pioneer at UCSF: Establishing the First Fetal Treatment Center

Dr. Harrison dedicated over two decades of his distinguished career as the division chief in pediatric surgery at the Children's Hospital at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a renowned institution on the forefront of medical innovation. It was during this pivotal period, spanning more than twenty years, that he spearheaded the establishment of the United States' very first fetal treatment center. This was a truly revolutionary endeavor, transforming the conventional concept of intervention from treating infants post-birth to performing complex surgical procedures on developing fetuses still within the protective environment of the womb. This pioneering approach aimed to correct life-threatening birth defects before they could cause irreversible damage, offering unprecedented hope and improved outcomes for countless families facing such challenging diagnoses.

A Lasting Legacy and Ongoing Influence

Dr. Harrison’s exceptional leadership at UCSF, enduring for over two decades, laid the foundational groundwork for an entirely new surgical subspecialty. His visionary work not only created a novel field of medical intervention but also profoundly inspired and guided generations of medical professionals who followed in his footsteps. Today, his profound influence continues to shape the landscape of pediatric and fetal medicine as he serves as a distinguished Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, and holds the esteemed position of Director Emeritus of the UCSF Fetal Treatment Center. His ongoing dedication ensures that the principles, practices, and spirit of innovation he pioneered continue to evolve and benefit patients worldwide, solidifying his enduring impact on healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Michael R. Harrison and Fetal Surgery

Who is Dr. Michael R. Harrison?

Dr. Michael R. Harrison is a highly acclaimed American pediatric surgeon, widely recognized as the "father of fetal surgery" for his pioneering work in developing surgical interventions for fetuses while still in the womb. He notably established the first fetal treatment center in the U.S. at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

What is fetal surgery?

Fetal surgery is a specialized medical procedure performed on a baby still developing inside its mother's womb. Its primary purpose is to correct or mitigate life-threatening congenital conditions before birth, preventing further damage and significantly improving the chances of a healthy outcome after delivery.

Where did Dr. Harrison make his most significant contributions?

Dr. Harrison made his most significant and groundbreaking contributions at the Children's Hospital at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he served as division chief in pediatric surgery for over 20 years and founded the first fetal treatment center in the United States.

Why is he called the "father of fetal surgery"?

He earned this esteemed title due to his groundbreaking research, meticulous development, and successful implementation of innovative techniques that made it possible to safely operate on fetuses in utero. This work essentially created an entirely new field of medicine, offering unprecedented treatment options for a range of congenital anomalies.

What is Dr. Harrison's current role?

Dr. Harrison currently holds the distinguished positions of Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, and is the Director Emeritus of the UCSF Fetal Treatment Center, continuing to contribute to the field he so instrumental helped to create and advance.