Johns Hopkins - Retired
General Thoracic
Member Since: 1986
Biography:
Retired 2010. Jonns Hopkins medical school. General surgery Hopkins and University of Chicago. Thoracic Surgery residency University of Chicago. Faculty at University of Chicago (Chief Division of Thoracic Surgey 1985-1988), Chair of Surgery Departments of Surgery University of Nevada (1988-2003) and Wright State (2003-2010). In retirement published "Cracking Chests: How Thoracic Surgery Got from Rocks to Sticks." A book for the general reader which combines the story of the inception and maturation of general thoracic surgery with my personal story to inform about a recent life in academic general thoracic surgery.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
It is the preeminent academic society representing our specialty.
My First Experience with AATS:
Attending meetings and being impressed with the academic quality of members.
Why I became an AATS member:
To be part of the organization.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
Too many to choose one.
The first presentation I gave is:
Abnormal Gastric Emptying in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux at the Surgical Forum of the American College of Surgeons 1977.
The first paper I had published is:
Little AG, DeMeester TR, Rezai-Zadar K, Skinner DB: Abnormal Gastric Emptying in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux. Surgical Forum Vol XXVIII:1977,347-348
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
No plans as fully retired.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
It is the preeminent academic society representing our specialty."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
David Skinner as a role model and the immediate and lasting attraction of both the academic and clinical aspects of general thoracic surgery.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
It was the cumulative experience that got to me.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
David Skinner's advice and mentorship.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Unbiased and honest reporting of scientific and clinical experiences and results.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
Dealing with new technology particularly A.I. and minimally invasive surgery/robotics.
Advice for Trainees:
Enjoy your surgical life.