Tom Gibson, Plastic Surgeon (1915–93): Allograft rejection by the immune system and prediction of free tissue transplantation

SummaryTom Gibson made enormous contributions to the modern development of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His key 1943 paper ‘The fate of skin homografts in man’ described the ‘second set’ phenomenon attributing graft rejection to an immunological phenomenon. Later in his career he visualised the concept of microvascular tissue transplantation and inspired many young surgeons through his various roles of Director of the unit at Canniesburn Hospital, Professor of Bioengineering and President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.