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THOMAS D. REES

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University of Utah

THOMAS REES Obituary

REES--Dr. Thomas D. AMREF USA, the board members and AMREF worldwide staff mourn the loss of our co-founder, Dr. Thomas D. Rees, remarkable visionary and renowned surgeon, who passed away at his home in Santa Fe, NM on Thursday, November 14. Dr. Rees was a Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at New York University School of Medicine, Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital and served for many years as surgeon to the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at New York University Medical Center. He was a past President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a former Director and vice-chairman of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Dr. Rees and two other surgeons, Dr. Archibald McIndoe and Dr. Michael Wood, had an inspired idea: to bring urgently needed clinical and surgical care to the people in East Africa's most remote and underserved regions. Their plan was to utilize small aircraft and radios to reach these inaccessible areas - and thus the Flying Doctors of East Africa was born in 1957. This initial plan expanded over the years to include health education, training, and public health programs for a wide spectrum of health challenges in remote areas of Africa, as well as urban slums. Today, that vision is AMREF, (the African Medical & Research Foundation), the largest African-led health development organization, working in more than 30 African countries. In the United States, Dr. Rees continued what would be a life-long commitment to Africa and its people. He worked tirelessly for AMREF and the continent in many ways: serving as the Chair of the Board of the US affiliate of AMREF, fundraising and by promoting AMREF's work at every opportunity. Almost every year, Dr. Rees and his wife Nan travelled back to the continent, because they cared so passionately about the African people. Dr. Rees' dedication and enthusiasm were contagious. We are terribly saddened by his passing and extend our deep condolences to his children Liz, a board member of AMREF USA, his son Thomas, Jr and his entire family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Nov. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS REES

15 Entries

Di Rees-Morris

November 30, 2024

So sad to hear of his passing I am a Rees from a mining village Tumble in South Wales.He resembles our family nose &eyes.

Irene

November 20, 2024

I was a patient of Dr. Rees. In 1972, as a teenager I was in a car accident. My face got very much damaged (eyes, cheek, nose). Dr. Rees was my plastic & reconstructive surgeon. He liked me & was very sympathetic. He had my parents only pay what the insurance company agreed to pay for the operations. I appreciate him greatly for his kindness & incredible surgical skills. Good-bye Dr & rest in peace.

robert lovas

April 24, 2024

RIP Prof. Rees and thank you Dr. Robert Lovas

Carole Cannataro Olufsen

November 13, 2023

Dr Rees will be forever in my heart. I had the privilege of working for him as a nurse I'm his office on 72nd st in NYC for 16 years. It was the most wonderful and exciting time of my nursing career. His plastic surgery was exceptional so it was amazing to see the results of both his reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Additionally, he was a fun, caring and kind human being . I will forever thank him for hiring me away from my OR nurse job at NYU Medical Center. Love you Tom Rees.

Carole Cannataro Olufsen

November 13, 2021

It was my honor and privilege to work for Dr. Rees as a nurse in his prestigious office in New York City. I will always have fond memories of those amazing years. It was a highlight of my years as a nurse and I thank Dr. Rees for that opportunity. May this dear man rest in peace for all that he contributed to the world and to plastic surgery.

Carole C. Olufsen

November 14, 2020

Dr. Tom Rees, for whom I worked as a nurse in his New York City office, was a wonderful human being in so many ways. I was privileged to be a part of his office from 1965-1981. I will always cherish the memories of those years and all that I learned about plastic surgery from one of the masters. Rest In Peace, you will always be missed.
Carole Cannataro Olufsen, RN

Wendy Schuman

November 21, 2013

In 1965 Dr. Rees performed emergency plastic surgery on my face when, having been severely bitten by a dog, I was was brought into Manhattan Eye & Ear Hospital. I was 17 years old. I will never forget this kind, compassionate man who restored my face and my life. I went back to college, returned for another successful graft in the summer. I will always be profoundly grateful to Dr. Rees. I didn't know until now about his work in Africa. What a remarkable person who had such a positive impact on the world! My sincere condolences to his family.

November 20, 2013

I have fond memories of hunting and fishing with Tom when we were teenagers.
He was always a Gentleman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bob and Janice Ault Mt. Pleasant Ut.

Foad Nahai

November 20, 2013

A gentleman, a mentor, a contributor ,a humanitarian,compasionate doctor and great surgeon. He will be missed but his legacy lives on through those he mentored

Sandra Sledz

November 19, 2013

I also worked for Dr Reesas a nurse from 1969 to 1989. It was through him that I developed my love for Africa. He was a wonderful,generous,loving man who gave so much to the world and will be missed by many. I love you and will never forget you TDR.

Carole Cannataro Olufsen

November 19, 2013

I was privileged to have worked in Tom Rees' office as a nurse from 1965 to 1981. He was truly an artist in his work, always a gentleman, so interesting and kind to his staff. I treasure my memories of those very special days. He and Nan were a wonderful couple loved by many and will never be forgotten.

November 19, 2013

TOM BRIGHTENED THE WORLD HE LIVED IN AND MADE IT A MORE BEAUTIFUL PLACE. HE AND NAN WERE VERY VERY SPECIAL TO MY DON AND TO ME. THEY WILL BE ALWAYS REMEMBERED WITH LOVE. SUSAN MEREDITH

Stephanie Spaulding

November 19, 2013

As a child growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, with my sisters, we knew of the Flying Doctors. They were our heroes.
Thank you, Dr. Rees.

Dr Rees and Nan Rees filming "their story" with other AMREF board members, Bob Lilly Bruce Bodner, Christine Grogan

christine grogan

November 19, 2013

Dr Rees and Nan Rees were the most amazing people I have ever met. They gave their entire lives to helping others... Now they are reunited.

Francine Leinhardt

November 19, 2013

Tom Rees was a dear friend and mentor. Together we established the New York Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium which still exists today. He will be sorely missed.

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