Alongside the many challenges related to the pandemic, the Johns Hopkins Department of Surgery is reflecting on the loss of several historic leaders this year. These surgeons made lasting contributions to the Department of Surgery that we will always remember. Today, we acknowledge their legacies and find inspiration to move forward with optimism.

Each one of these influential leaders made incredible contributions to our department that ultimately made us better and benefited hundreds of patients. Dr. Gershon Efron, an award-winning teacher who inspired several generations of physicians and surgical residents — including his three sons — passed away on June 8.

Dr. George Melville “Mel” Williams, who helped to start the transplantation program at Johns Hopkins and became chief of transplantation and vascular surgery, passed away on August 27.

And Dr. George Zuidema, who helped to devise a restructuring of the department that enhanced our efforts and ultimately led to separate departments for neurosurgery, orthopaedics, otolaryngology, urology and general surgery, passed away on July 6.

Throughout the pandemic, our current surgeons have been caring for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. They have performed organ transplant operations, provided lifesaving cancer and cardiac procedures, and initiated research on potential COVID-19 interventions that could help save lives (see article on right).

Together, I know we can tackle even the most difficult of problems. The Johns Hopkins Department of Surgery remains committed to world-class clinical care, research and education — but we couldn’t do it without you. As always, thank you for supporting us and the programs that help so many others. Please stay safe and healthy.