Willard Bliss

Willard Bliss was a physician who led the medical team treating President James A. Garfield following his assassination attempt in 1881. A Civil War veteran and surgeon, Bliss employed the medical techniques of his time, which unfortunately contributed to Garfield's death due to infection. His handling of the president's injuries has been widely criticized, as the lack of sterilization and proper medical practices resulted in complications that ultimately proved fatal.