Adolph Gundersen (October 8, 1865–September 15, 1938) was a Norwegian born American medical doctor and founder of Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.[1]
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Adolf Gundersen was born in the parish of Åsnes in the traditional region of Solør in the county of Hedmark, Norway. Dr. Gundersen received his professional training in Norway and was graduated from the Royal University of Oslo in 1890.[2]
Dr. Gundersen came to La Crosse, Wisconsin to join the medical practice of Dr. Christian Christianson. In 1893, Adolf Gundersen married Helga Isaksaetre (1867–1951), with whom he had eight children. Four of the sons, Gunnar, Alf, Sigurd B. Sr. and Thorolf joined their father in his first clinic, which opened in 1930 on the outskirts of the city. In 1944, the physician sons of Dr. Gundersen created Gundersen Medical Foundation (now known as Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation). His eldest son Borge, was in charge of Røisen, the Gundersen estate in Solør, Norway.[3] [4][5]
Dr. Gundersen received the Knighthood of Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olaf, first rank, from King Haakon of Norway in 1926. Gundersen was made an honorary member of The Medical Society of the Oslo in 1933. He was a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and in the Scandinavian Surgical Society, an honorary member of the Christiania Surgical Society. He was also a former Regent of the University of Wisconsin.[6]
| “ | Achieving the finest patient care requires continuous effort and study by individuals devoted to the advancement of medical science and practice. | ” |
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— Adolph Gundersen, MD. 1923, [7]
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