Celebrating Dr. Blaisdell
A weeklong celebration at Blaisdell Medical Libary
Blaisdell Medical Library is kicking off its 20th anniversary early with a special celebration this week in honor of the late Dr. F. William Blaisdell, open to UC Davis Health badge holders. Dr. Blaisdell was born August 30, 1927, and would have turned 98 on Saturday, August 30.
- August 25-29: Check out an exhibit featuring Dr. Blaisdell and his Civil War Medicine collection. Enter our birthday raffle drawing!
- Thursday, August 28, 11 a.m. (until supplies run out): Stop by to celebrate Dr. Blaisdell’s birthday with library staff.
About Dr. Blaisdell
The F. William Blaisdell, M.D., Medical Library was named in Dr. Blaisdell’s honor to highlight his contributions to the field of trauma surgery, service to UC Davis, and his commitment to his patients and students.
Dr. Blaisdell practiced in Northern California for over 30 years, establishing the first 24/7 trauma center at the San Francisco General Hospital. He joined the UC Davis Medical Center in 1978, where he served as Chief of Surgery and created what is now the only Level 1 certified trauma center in the capital region.
During his time at UC Davis, Dr. Blaisdell treated Sacramento Kings guard Bobby Hurley after a car accident that nearly ended his career. Following his retirement in 2002, Blaisdell received the annual Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Surgeons.
Civil War Medical Collection
Throughout his career, Dr. Blaisdell was an avid collector of books and materials related to Civil War medicine. His great-grandfather, Solon G. Blaidell, having served in the Union Army during the war, was the inspiration for his interest.
When the medical library at UC Davis Health was renamed in his honor, Dr. Blaisdell donated his 400-plus item collection, including books, paintings, surgical tools and other relics. The Blaisdell Medical Library Civil War Medicine collection is housed in the Blaisdell study room. His research and personal papers are available by request from the library’s Archives and Special Collections.
