The challenge of progress

Historical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: David J. Dugan (1910-1998)

“…1 It is by this route that Dugan began his training in thoracic surgery, a specialty that he ''barely knew existed'' and a specialty choice that was unsolicited and was ''explained only by the unpredictable wisdom of the United States Army.'' [1][2][3] When the United States entered World War II, thoracic surgery was not yet considered a distinct specialty. Because of its undefined status during the War, no consultant specializing in thoracic surgery was formally appointed in any oversea theater.…”

“…4 Further, he noted, ''.chest surgical operations were not frequent, and the only such procedure to which we were invited during the entire 6 weeks was a thoracotomy by Emory Burnett in which he removed a mediastinal dermoid.'' 1 After his brief training at the University of Pennsylvania, Dugan returned to duty at Walter Reed. As luck would have it, on his return, a large convoy of chest casualties arrived, and his only qualification for providing thoracic surgical care was the course that he had just completed.…”

“…Also during this time, antibiotics such as the sulfonamides and penicillin, discovered in 1928, were being clinically evaluated and held great promise in the management of soft tissue, systemic, and pulmonary infections. 1,5,6 For the next 3 years during the War, Dugan worked under the tutelage and mentorship of Blades. Because of the prominence of Walter Reed Hospital, visiting dignitaries were frequent during his tenure.…”

“…At that particular stage of my physical development, I weighed 120 pounds and had not overcome the typical hospital pallor of my training days.'' 1 To show interest, the Secretary inquired ''What is it, Captain Blades, that determines when you place the patients on the seriously ill list?'' Blades responded dryly, ''When they begin to look like Lieutenant Dugan.''…”

“…Blades responded dryly, ''When they begin to look like Lieutenant Dugan.'' 1 At Walter Reed and other institutions, Dugan drew inspiration from then and future leaders in thoracic surgery. Assigned to his service was Donald B. Effler, who later was to gain prominence in cardiac surgery as the Chief of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.…”