John Herschel Davis, MD

“Amazing.” That is the word that keeps coming up over and over again, in cards, messages, and conversations. Amazing not only for his many accomplishments in the surgical realm but also for his ability to connect with and inspire generations of health care colleagues, and we cannot say that we disagree, even if from the admittedly biased perspective of being John H. Davis’ daughters. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share our reflections and gratefully acknowledge this tribute issue. John H. Davis, MD, former chief of surgery at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont and chair of surgery at the University of Vermont (UVM) College of Medicine from 1969 to 1989, passed away in late January. He had received his medical degree from Western Reserve University School of Medicine and served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. In Korea, he worked as a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital surgeon and was part of a surgical research team that introduced new approaches to the treatment of patients with burns and trauma, many of which are still used today. After the war, he completed his surgical training at the University Hospitals of Cleveland where he remained on the staff for nearly 20 years. When he left Cleveland, he was professor and chief of surgery at the Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital. In January 1969, Dad and his family moved from Cleveland to Burlington, Vermont, where he became chairman of the Department of Surgery at UVM and chief of surgery at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, roles that he held until 1989. As a UVM surgical colleague, Frank Ittleman recently described, “early in his tenure, he was able to bring together the surgical community in Burlington to form Surgical Associates, which represented the academic department as we know it today.” As his family, we know that his proudest accomplishments included the creation of the University Health Center for ambulatory patient care, the recruitment and training of a world-class group of surgical residents, the collaboration with community physicians throughout the state, and the continued research in the areas of trauma prevention and treatment. Throughout his tenure, he remained a consummate surgeon, utterly dedicated to clinical excellence and patient care of the highest quality. As his daughters, we recall growing up with a man who was passionate about injury prevention. From the time automotive seat belts came into common use, it would never have occurred to us to fail to buckle up when the family car got rolling. Dad was equally passionate in speaking on topics such as burn prevention and requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets (actually, it was pretty clear that none of us should ever consider riding a motorcycle, even with the protection of the latest safety apparel). We recall the excitement of accompanying him to the hospital on Saturday mornings while he made rounds or observing his involvement in large-scale disaster drills in metropolitan Cleveland. Watching hundreds of health care and emergency personnel care for hundreds of “victims” made a lasting impression. We embraced the slightly unusual family routines that were borne of such activities, as well as Dad’s long hours at the hospital. For example, when our mother offered to serve us dinner at the hour that most other families were enjoying theirs, we always chose to wait, eager to hear about Dad’s day and learning about the challenges of his surgical cases. We did not realize until many years later that guests who joined us at the dining room table (where there was always room for one more) might not share our appreciation for some of the subject matter. During his years at UVM, our father served as president of the New England Surgical Society, the Vermont Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, the Eastern Surgical Association, and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Vermont State Medical Society and the Surgeon of the Year Award from the National Safety Council. Our father was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and received their highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 1991. In 2000, his UVM medical staff colleagues honored him by supporting the construction of the John H. Davis Auditorium attached to the UVM College of Medicine. In 2009, he was honored by the Association of Women Surgeons for his commitment to the training and career advancement of women surgeons. As the father of three daughters, this award was particularly meaningful to him. Another treasured memory was the day his “team” arrived at the house on a Saturday morning and constructed two raised flower beds, enabling the continuation of his passion for gardening from his wheelchair. In addition to all of their surgical responsibilities, these students, residents, and colleagues found the time to make a plan and do the preparation work to complete this “operation” in 1 day! Mother Nature even cooperated, which is never a sure thing in Vermont. He published more than 150 scientific articles, three books (including serving as lead editor of the textbook Clinical Surgery), and numerous book chapters. From 1975 to 1994, he served as editor of The Journal of Trauma. As accomplished as he was as a surgeon, researcher, and administrator, Dad truly excelled in the roles of a teacher, mentor, and friend. He enjoyed these roles immensely and took great pride in the accomplishments of others, especially his students and residents. He never tired of learning or teaching and remained intellectually curious throughout his life. He nurtured this curiosity in others and thoroughly enjoyed the exchange of ideas with friends, family, patients, colleagues, students, and caregivers. Over the years, Dad kept in touch with many of these students and residents who became part of our extended family. Those who surrounded our Thanksgiving table often included members of his team who were not able to be with their families for the traditional feast. He quietly glowed at the accomplishments of his daughters but also thrilled to learn of the accomplishments of those who passed through the department.John H. Davis outside of a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital tent in Korea. (Photo courtesy of the author, W.S.D.)The Davis family. (Photo courtesy of the author, W.S.D.)Our family sincerely thanks the The Journal of Trauma family for your friendship and colleagueship over his many years with the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and as editor of the Journal. We look to you to continue what we hope is a legacy of excellence and commitment to lifelong learning, embodied in the auditorium and annual lectureship that bear his name at his home institution in Vermont. The 2010 John H. Davis lecture was delivered by Dr. David Mulder, director of thoracic surgery at McGill University and head team physician/chief surgeon for the Montreal Canadiens hockey team of the National Hockey League, prompting us to recall the words that have adorned the Canadiens’ locker room for the better part of a century: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.1 These words, penned by a Canadian medic during World War I, called upon the survivors of that conflict to soldier on. They seem to echo the sentiments expressed by so many at the passing of another soldier, John H. Davis, who wore the uniform during two conflicts of the last century. We can think of no greater tribute to our father than to know that the coming generations will embrace this charge and continue his legacy. John’s loving wife of 65 years, Peggy Lou, passed away on February 27, 2012. The family plans a celebration of their lives at a later date. For those who wish to honor John’s memory, donations may be made to the Department of Surgery, UVM College of Medicine to support the annual John H. Davis, MD, Endowed Lectureship in Surgery and other research and educational activities. Donations in his honor should be sent to UVM College of Medicine, Given Building E-100, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405.

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