J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008;135:1197
© 2008 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery
Tribute to our fallen comrades
Jeffrey H. Shuhaiber, MD*
Department of Surgery, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
* Address for reprints: Jeffrey H. Shuhaiber, MD, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St., London SW3 6NP, UK. (Email: jeffrey01{at}mac.com).
Six individuals who were part of the human organ retrieval program at the University of Michigan lost their lives in June 2007, one year ago, after an airplane crash into Lake Michigan. The team included 2 cardiac surgeons, Drs Martinus Spoor, an attending surgeon, and David Ashburn, a fellow in training; 2 transplant donation specialists with the University, Richard Chenault II and Richard Lapensee; and 2 pilots, Dennis Hoyes and Bill Serra. There is no greater gift than for one person to lay down his or her life for another, and the University of Michigan transplant team did just that.
On that unforgettable day, the tragic news rattled through the hearts of all those involved in medicine, specifically transplantation, and widespread mourning began with an endless number of personal condolences from across the nation. This collective loss was by far the worst outcome during an organ harvest, reminding us that the risks of transplantation are for all and not for one.
During that month, as a fellow in transplantation, I came to realize the risks we take to achieve our missions are far beyond the training it takes to become a thoracic surgeon. The advances in medicine and surgery that have been achieved so far at a human or non-human related risk may not be apparent when first assessed. The most important, however, is risk to human life. In the content of transplantation, the apparent safety gap between risk and benefit can be mistakenly underestimated as weather changes and technology woves can create an unpredictable dynamic hazardous environment for everyone. The extent of which can reach as far as loss of life. We should be prepared to meet the demands of our new age and its associated hazards. Our first objective is to treat and heal the sick, and we drive selflessly for our patients and are willing to accept the known, as well as the unknown, without hesitation. Every day and night, hundreds of teams worldwide are prepared to procure organs for transplantation. Risk has always been directed toward our patients; however, with such incidents, we have to include all members of the harvest team because several have made the ultimate sacrifice during the performance of their duty.
Nearly 60,000 patients in the United States have enjoyed longer lives because they received new hearts through transplant programs at approximately 150 medical centers around the country. Organ retrieval remains an important extension of our services away from our hospital base. The Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Office provided information on prior medical aviation accidents. This office covers the National Transplantation Safety Board Aviation Accident and Incident Data System and is the primary source for aircraft accident information. From 1983 through the present, 209 medical incident aircraft flights have been recorded, and 76 have resulted in fatal outcomes, claiming the lives of those on board, including patients. Although air transportation is safer than ground transportation, the merits of each organ harvest need to be placed in the context of the team, as well as the patient.
At the first anniversary of this tragedy, our hearts continue to be filled with sadness. We honor the team who lost their lives trying to save one, and their sacrifice, courage, and commitment to serve those in need will stay with us forever.
