Daniel C. Moore, MD, and the renaissance of regional anesthesia in North America

Abstract

While much attention is paid to the early days of organized regional anesthesia in North America under the leadership of Gaston Labat in New York, there was a period of decline in energy and activity in those techniques after the demise of his original American Society of Regional Anesthesia in 1940. In the years after World War II, questions were raised about the safety and utility of regional blockade. Dr. Daniel C. Moore emerged as a colorful and enthusiastic advocate of regional techniques, effectively leading a renaissance of regional anesthesia interest through his textbook, teaching, and research in Seattle, Washington. His protégés were instrumental in the rebirth of American Society of Regional Anesthesia and the extensive spread of regional anesthesia today.