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J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;126:311-312
© 2003 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery
In Memoriam |
a Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Tex, USA
Received for publication March 10, 2003; accepted for publication March 24, 2003.
* Address for reprints: Harold C. Urschel, MD, Baylor University Medical Center, 1201 Barnett Tower, 3600 Baston Ave, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
drurschel{at}earthlink.net
Key Words: 4
Robert W. Jamplis died February 13, 2003, in Woodside, California, after a long debilitating illness at the age of 82 years. Born April 1, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois, "Jamp" grew up as the son of a physician in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Chicago undergraduate and medical schools.
Having played quarterback for the first Heisman Trophy winner, Jay Berwanger (halfback), Jamp always had a keen interest in athletic competition, particularly football. He was selected All-American Football Quarterback during the silver anniversary of Sports Illustrated.
At the Mayo Clinic, he took advanced training in general and thoracic surgery under Drs Clagett, Harrington, and other outstanding surgeons. He received a master of science degree in surgery and surgical pathology at the University of Minnesota. A true patriot, he served two terms of active duty, one as a lieutenant in the US Navy Pacific theater from 1944 to 1946 and again as commander during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.
He was introduced to me by his good friend Dr George Nardi, Harvard Professor of Surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital, because they were in each other’s weddings and good friends to the end. Dr Nardi recommended that I consider practicing with Dr Jamplis at the Palo Alto Clinic; however, during my visit there, Jamp was on a world tour sabbatical.
Although we never associated in surgery, he became one of my closest friends. We both believed football was different from other sports. It demanded the same competitive skills, drive, precision, and decision necessary for success in any sport, but in addition, football required individual sublimation to the team for victory. This is very similar to the prerequisites of a successful surgical operation.
Jamp became extremely successful in managing the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, raising over 400 million dollars for their new facility, as well as maintaining a close relationship to Stanford Medical School and Hospital. He forged a remarkable partnership with a managed care corporation that was a model for the rest of the country.
As president of The Western Thoracic Surgical Association, he delivered a remarkable presidential address in 1983 about his visionary health care policy initiatives. Because of this, my wife, Betsey, suggested he be considered as president of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons to provide the necessary leadership in this area of health care policy. His case was unique since, initially, I found not only that he was not a member of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, but also that he was too old to be president. Both of these hurdles were overcome, and he guided that world class organization through a period of adaptation to managed care.
He was a remarkable individual in every regard, always maintaining a compassionate interest in his patients and his friends, as he provided visionary leadership for all types of professional and nonprofessional groups. He preserved a particular love for the Bohemian Grove, where I spent several different summers as his guest and saw Jamp at his peak with regard to relaxation, vision, and leadership.
He received many awards in medical administration, the Mayo Clinical Distinguished Alumni Award, the University of Chicago Career Achievement Award, and the John W. Gardner Visionary Award for Pathways Hospice Organization. He was a clinical professor of surgery at Stanford University Medical School and authored more than 50 scholarly scientific papers and two books.
Having lunch with him at the Pacific Union Club, the Menlo Country Club, or the Circus Club was always a treat. He repeated raucous stories about the Rancheros Visitadores. Once he took me for a surprise lunch with Jimmie Doolittle, one of his close friends—the two were remarkably alike in size, energy, and leadership abilities.
He had a magnificent family—his first wife, Bobbie, was mother of his two children and his second wife, Cynthia ("The Management"), was a true partner in his life’s challenges and successes.
My wife, Betsey, and I loved Jamp and his two wonderful wives deeply.
We will miss him greatly!
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