Dedication

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Dr. Malcolm C. “Mike” Veidenheimer was the founder and first Editor-in-Chief for Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery. Mike was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, for both undergraduate and medical education. After graduation from medical school, he trained in surgery at Vancouver General Hospital, Walton Hospital in Liverpool, England, Hammersmith Hospital in London, England and then, in 1960, began a two-year Fellowship in Surgery at the Lahey Clinic. Although he and his wife had planned to return to Vancouver, Mike was persuaded to stay on the staff of the Lahey Clinic as a staff surgeon, starting in 1962.

Dr. Neil Swinton recognized Mike’s extraordinary capabilities and convinced him to pursue a career in colon and rectal surgery. Mike became the chairman of the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery in 1970, a position that he held until 1987. He became the director for the training program in 1972 and bestowed the program directorship on young individuals in order to develop their careers and enhance the quality of training. He was extremely active in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, serving in multiple leadership roles and ultimately as its President in 1980. Similarly, he served the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and was President from 1985-1987. He was the first representative from the Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery to the American Board of Surgery. He was also one of the first colon and rectal surgeons voted to membership in the American Surgical Association.

Mike was an author or coauthor of 107 publications and 26 book chapters. Seminars originated with his belief that there needed to be a clinically oriented publication that would keep readdressing basic topics in the field of colon and rectal surgery, providing regular updates for the practicing surgeon. I believe that this publication amply fulfills this vision.

Mike was generally regarded as one of the finest technical surgeons in his field. Certainly, he was greatly appreciated for his warm and engaging personality and was one of the great raconteurs among surgeons. Those of us who had the privilege of being trained by and working with him will never forget his unique style.

It is an honor to dedicate this volume of “SCRS: The First Ten Years” to my mentor and friend.

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• Malcolm C. Veidenheimer