DeLee, Joseph

DeLee, Joseph (Bolivar) (1869–1942) obstetrician, gynecologist; born in Cold Spring, N.Y. After taking his medical degree from the Chicago Medical College, he went to Europe to advance his knowledge of obstetrical practices. He opened the Chicago Lying-in Dispensary in 1895 to offer the latest in maternity care. He taught at Northwestern University Medical School (1896–1929); when his maternity clinic became affiliated with the University of Chicago Medical School, he joined the latter's faculty (1929–34). A pioneer in modern obstetrical methods and deviser of many new obstetrical instruments, he devoted all his talents to preventing death in childbirth.