October 1, 2021
Dr. Richardson
The 糖心网页版 (ACS) is saddened to share that J. David Richardson, MD, FACS, ACS Past-President and Past-Chair, ACS Board of Regents, passed away September 7, surrounded by family. Dr. Richardson was 76 years old.
Dr. Richardson was vice-chair for faculty affairs and Berel Abrams, MD, Endowed Chair of Surgery, University of Louisville, KY. An eminent general, thoracic, and trauma surgeon and surgical educator, Dr. Richardson became an ACS Fellow in 1980. He served the College in various leadership capacities, including as President (2015鈥2016) and Chair of the Board of Regents (2011鈥2012). He was a member of the ACS Board of Regents from 2003 to 2011.
Dr. Richardson also played a leadership role on several other ACS committees. He was the ACS Governor from Kentucky (1989鈥1995) and served on the Governors鈥 Committee on Surgical Infections (1992鈥1995). He was Chair of the Research and Optimal Patient Care Committee (2004鈥2011) and Vice-Chair of the Health Policy and Advocacy Group (2010鈥2011). He was an active member of the ACS Committee on Trauma (COT), including serving as Chair of the Emergency Services-Prehospital Subcommittee (1992鈥1999) and as a member of the COT鈥檚 Executive Committee (1992), Membership Committee (1993), and Verification/Consultation Committee (1993).
In addition, Dr. Richardson served on the ACS Advisory Council for General Surgery (1997鈥2002), the Advisory Council for Vascular Surgery as a Regent (2003鈥2006), and the Advisory Council for Rural Surgery as an Ex-Officio member (2011鈥2012). He was a member of the ACS Committee on Video-Based Education (1991鈥1997).
At the state level, he served as Chair (1985鈥1987) and Vice-Chair (1981鈥1985) of the Kentucky COT, and as Secretary-Treasurer (1983鈥1986) and President (1987) of the Kentucky Chapter of the ACS. He served on the Kentucky Committee on Applicants (1997鈥2002), as well.
鈥淒r. Richardson was a legend in his own time and an icon of surgery, constantly standing for what is right about our profession and his commitment to sustaining quality and education standards for all who come behind us,鈥 said David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director. 鈥淢ost recently, he fought hard for the rural surgeon and always brought clarity to our thinking in a realistic fashion. His sense of humor and his honest thoughtfulness will be remembered by us all and guide us as we work to uphold his legacy.鈥
Read more about Dr. Richardson鈥檚 life and career in in The American Surgeon, written by longtime friend and colleague R. Phillip Burns, MD, FACS, ACS Past-First Vice-President.