Walter Jackson Freeman II was born on November 14, 1895, in Pennsylvania. He went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, where he earned his M.D. and began his career in the medical field.
Freeman is best known for pioneering the controversial ice pick lobotomy, a procedure in which a pick-like instrument was inserted into the brain through the eye sockets to sever connections in the frontal lobes. This procedure was highly controversial and was eventually banned due to its risky nature and questionable efficacy. Despite this controversial legacy, Freeman made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and neurology.
Freeman was a co-founder of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and served as its president until 1947. He was also mentored by renowned neurologist Egas Moniz, further solidifying his place in the medical community.
Freeman had one son, Walter Jackson Freeman III, who also became involved in the medical field. While Freeman's professional life was marked by controversy, his personal life was filled with love and support from his family.
Walter Jackson Freeman II was a pioneer in the field of psychiatry and neurology, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community despite the controversies surrounding his methods. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical practices in the field of medicine.