Paul Hodgson, M.D., had a vision for UNMC to be on the cutting edge of general surgery training methods — a vision that is being realized through his major gift.
Family, friends and UNMC colleagues and leaders gathered last week to honor Dr. Hodgson for his gift and celebrate his legacy. Participants also saw a demonstration of the latest endoscopy training simulator purchased through the Paul E. Hodgson, M.D. Innovations in Surgical Technology Fund, established through the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Paul Hodgson, M.D.
Paul E. Hodgson, M.D., joined UNMC in 1962 as a professor of surgery. He served as assistant dean for academic affairs from 1969 to 1973 and chairman of the department of surgery from 1974 to1984.
Dr. Hodgson retired from UNMC in 1988 and then served as emeritus professor of surgery until his passing last year. In 2006, he was named one of The Nebraska Medical Center’s “Legends,” awarded to retired physicians who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, professionalism and friendship.
“Dr. Hodgson was revered by his colleagues, students, and peers,” said Brad Britigan, M.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. “He made many contributions to UNMC, but none more important than serving as an excellent role model for the many students and medical residents who served under him. He was an innovator in surgical education locally and at the national level.”
In the near future, general surgery residents will be required to pass a test that assesses endoscopic skills. Endoscopy uses an endoscope to see the inside of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, the stomach, and the large and small intestine.
Principal donor Dr. Hodgson, along with UNMC Class of 1955 alum Alton S.K. Wong, M.D., and 38 other donors, established the fund along with support from the department of surgery. The fund will provide ongoing support for innovations in surgery education.
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From left, Paul C. and Anne Hodgson, children of Paul E. Hodgson, M.D., receive the College of Medicine Holyoke Society Award from College of Medicine Dean Brad Britigan, M.D. |
Dr. Britigan presented a posthumous College of Medicine Holyoke Society Award for Dr. Hodgson to his children — Anne Hodgson of Naples, Fla., and Paul C. Hodgson of Omaha. The society honors physicians who have contributed $100,000 or more to the college and is dedicated to the memory, contributions and ideas of the late Edward A. Holyoke, M.D., an influential UNMC faculty member.
UNMC is one of the first 20 centers in the country to be designated as a testing center for the national Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery program, a comprehensive educational and assessment tool for teaching, evaluation and judgment for gastrointestinal endoscopic skills.
The simulator will be housed in the Dr. Wayne and Eileen Ryan Surgical Simulation Suite in the Sorrell Center.
Dr. Hodgson was such a class act. It's cool that he is still having an impact on future surgeons — even after his death. Thanks to the Hodgson family for this wonderful gift!