The following is a vignette on the life of the pioneer American surgeon Ephraim McDowell, who is credited with performing the first ovariotomy in 1809.The resume on McDowell's life and works is written by Dr. Marc Shampo, a colleague at the Mayo Clinic, who until his retirement was an editor in the Department of Publications. Recognizing that stamp collecting could be unlimited, Marc's philatelic interests have largely been restricted to stamps from throughout the world that have been issued to honor physicians and others affiliated with medical practice. Dr. Shampo has selected a portrait stamp from his private collection, and outlines outstanding events in the career and life of McDowell. TheJournal of Pelvic Surgerywill include other vignettes by Dr. Shampo on persons whose contributions to the science and practice of surgery have earned them recognition through the issuance of a stamp. Readers having similar philatelic interests may write directly to Dr. Shampo.