Albert H. FREIBERG 1868–1940

Who’s Who in Orthopedics

tal while in active practice, and continued to serve as consultant at these hospitals. At the time of his retirement from the Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at the Medical College of the University in 1938, he was made Professor Emeritus. During the World War he served as Major in the Medical Corps, United States Army, and was Chief of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Walter Reed Hospital at that time.

Dr. Freiberg always took a special interest in the affairs of the American Orthopedic Associa- tion, particularly in its development, to the end that it might be an important and influential factor in establishing and maintaining a high and digni- fied standard. He was President of the Association for the year 1910–1911 and always took an active part in the scientific and administrative proceed- ings of all its meetings, and served on many important committees. In the executive meetings, Dr. Freiberg was frequently consulted on matters of parliamentary law. His mind was keen and ana- lytical, his judgment fair and tinged with kindli- ness. He was a splendid speaker and his tongue had no barb. He was influential in debate and fre- quently turned the discussion toward correct and wise decision. His honesty and good sense added weight to his opinions. He took a prominent part in its scientific sessions and the Association always looked forward to his communications as being of value, for they indicated the result of his experience and excellent judgment. His position was always foremost in the advance line of progress.

He was an active contributor to medical litera- ture. He showed a good deal of originality, and was always foremost in aiding advancements that came to orthopedic surgery through the enlarge- ment of the field of surgery resulting from the advent of antiseptic surgery. He kept in close touch with the departments of medicine other than that to which he devoted his life, and he did this on principle as part of his eager quest for knowl- edge, which was evident in his clear sense of values and breadth of grasp. His consideration of all sides of any problem gave weight and confi- dence to his decision.

Dr. Albert H. Freiberg died in Cincinnati, July 14, 1940, after an illness of 2 weeks. He was sur- vived by his wife, who was Jeannette Freiberg, and two sons.

106

Albert H. FREIBERG

1868–1940

Dr. Albert H. Freiberg was born in Cincinnati on August 17, 1868, the son of Joseph and Amalia Freiberg. He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and of the Medical College of Ohio, which later became the Medical College of the University. After his internship at the General Hospital, he spent considerable time abroad, studying at the universities of Würzburg, Strasbourg, Berlin, and Vienna. On his return to this country in 1893, he began practice in Cincin- nati, and, as was the custom in those days, he began with general work, but his aim always led him toward specializing in orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Freiberg always took an active part in the

affairs of his profession and was a member of

the American Medical Association, the American

Orthopedic Association, the Clinical Orthopedic

Society, and a Fellow of the American College

of Surgeons and of the American Academy of

Orthopedic Surgeons. He was also active in

local medical affairs. He was President of the

Ohio Medical Society, 1929–1930; the Cincinnati

Academy of Medicine, 1923–1924; and Chair-

man of the Orthopedic Section of the American

Medical Association, 1917–1918. Dr. Freiberg

played an important part in the establishment of

orthopedic surgery in his city and state, and the

present position of orthopedic surgery in that

community is largely due to his influence and the

result of his work. He was Chief of the Orthope-

dic Service at the Cincinnati General Hospital, at

the Children’s Hospital, and at the Jewish Hospi-