La Roe, Else K. (1900–1970)

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La Roe, Else K. (1900–1970)

German physician. Name variations: Else Kienle; Else La Roe or LaRoe. Born Else Kienle, June 26, 1900, in Heidenheim, Germany; died 1970; eldest dau. of Elisabeth Kienle and Otto Kienle; graduate of University of Heidelberg Medical School, 1923; m. Stephan Jacobowitz (div.); George Henry La Roe (dentist) 1932 (div.); m. Wesley Le Roy Robertson (Native American musician), 1951.

Pioneer in cosmetic surgery, especially breast reconstructive surgery, conducted clinical training at Lexer Clinic in Freiburg; employed as a dermatologist at Catherine's Hospital in Stuttgart; bought a small surgical hospital (c. 1928); involved in the German movement (early 1930s) for legal abortion and improved birth control accessibility; convicted of high treason by Nazis but escaped charges after marriage to George Henry La Roe, an American; move to US (1932); pioneered an operation to graft breast tissue onto an amputated breast; founded American Society for the Reduction of Cancer Casualties (1952).

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La Roe, Else K. (1900–1970)

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