WILLIAM SHEARER
Plastic surgery might have a reputation for focus on self, but 1921 graduate William Shearer got into the business because of a focus on others. Shearer already was working as a dentist when he began taking classes at then-Omaha University. After earning his degree he became known throughout the world for the development of special procedures in the treatment of teeth and mouth disorders and for his cleft palate and cleft lip operations. He treated hundreds of children for cleft palates at the Immanuel Deaconess Institute hospital in Omaha and elsewhere. Shearer also conceived the idea of the Omaha Free Dental Dispensary for Children and was the prime force behind its establishment. He also wrote a semi-autobiographical book on the topic. Later, Shearer became a founder then a president of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, the oldest plastic surgery organization in the world.