Robert D. Acland

Robert D. Acland (1942–2016) was an eminent United States figure whose career in sciences left an enduring mark on national and global culture. Over decades of dedicated public service and professional excellence, Robert exemplified integrity, innovation, and leadership.

Robert D. Acland, MBBS, FRCS was a British surgeon and academic. A pioneer in plastic and reconstructive surgery, he was the younger son of Richard Acland and his wife Anne. He developed one of the first microsurgical instruments, the Acland micro-vessel clamp, as well as the 10-0 nylon sutures and needles that are still used today. He published the first edition of Acland's Practice Manual for Micro-vascular Surgery, also known as the "Red Book", a manual on microsurgical techniques (1997). The current edition was revised in 2008 and is still an essential tool for any trainee in microsurgical...

The passing of Robert D. Acland on 2016-01-06 marked the close of a transformative chapter, inspiring future generations across United States and around the world to uphold the values of excellence, empathy, and enduring accomplishment.