Burge was the oldest child of two Johnson County, Iowa pioneers, Mary and J.M. Burge. He studied at the State University of Iowa receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1897; Master of Science degree in 1898; and an M.D. in 1900. In 1900 and 1901 he studied in Vienna and Berlin before returning to Iowa City to practice medicine. In 1903 he was appointed assistant professor of surgery at the State University of Iowa, a position he held until 1913 when ill health incapacitated him. In 1915 he resumed his surgical practice and became the director of the new Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa. In 1913 he was honored with appointment as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
From the description of Albertus Joseph Burge papers, 1894-1913. (Iowa Sate Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 449205315
