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Ronald Peter
Fischer M.D., PhD Ronald Fischer died Friday, January 25th after a long illness. He was surrounded by loving family members and passed away peacefully. He is predeceased by his parents, Irene and Albert and his brother Al.
Ron was born January 29, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Having competed in the hurdles at Mariemont High School and making it all the way to the State Championships, Ron was awarded a full athletic scholarship in track and field from Ohio State where he graduated with a BS in Biology in 1957. Ron went on to medical school at University of Cincinnati during which time he met his beloved wife of 51 years, Nancy.
Ronald Fischer received his surgical and scientific training at the University of Minnesota, receiving his PhD in 1967. In 1968, Ron was sent to Vietnam and served as Chief of Surgery at the Saigon 3rd Army Field Hospital, receiving a Bronze Star for his service. While in Vietnam, Ron performed the first U.S. Army organ transplant (kidney). It was also the first to be performed in wartime and the first in Asia. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel while finishing his tour at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Ron went on to a distinguished career as a general surgeon in academic medicine, starting as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of New Mexico Medical School in Albuquerque, NM. He then became Associate Professor of Surgery at University of Minnesota Medical School, in St. Paul, MN followed by Chairman of the Surgery Department at University of Arizona Medical School in Tucson, Arizona. His next position brought him to Houston as Director of Trauma Surgery at University of Texas Medical School. Some of the highlights of his career were establishing the first Trauma center in the state of Arizona, and along with Dr. Red Duke, established Hermann Hospital's Life Flight Program as the country's first and leading helicopter-based trauma center.
Ron's final position was as Chief of Surgery at the newly established Lyndon Baines Johnson County hospital. Under his guidance, the hospital grew into a full service hospital, providing medical care for the underprivileged in Harris County.
In addition to his success as a professor and surgeon, Ron was very involved in medical research, publishing 125 research papers over his career, serving on numerous surgical committees including the Board of Regents for the American College of Surgeons, and holding editorial positions for various medical journals.
After his retirement in 1996, Ron's hobbies and family occupied his time. During his illness, surgeons trained by Ron paid respect, many remarking that he was a dedicated advocate for excellence in medical care, an enthusiastic and entertaining teacher of the art of surgery, and a man of honor who put the needs of others before his own.
To family and friends he will be remembered not only for his work and countless lives saved because of it, but even more so for his compassion, love, and epic humor.
Ron is survived by his wife Nancy Marie Fischer of Houston, TX , his son Dr. Craig Peter Fischer of Houston, TX, and his daughter Shannon Fischer Ware of Belleair, FL.
A funeral service will be held at Wade Chapel in Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio on January 31, 2013 at 12pm . A memorial service will also be held in Houston, TX at the Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross Street on February 9, 2013 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 (www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org) OR The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
(www.mfah.org/give/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
I worked as Dr. R. P. Fischer's secretary for several years while he was Chief of Surgery at LBJ. He was a brilliant man with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP RPF
Monique
February 6, 2013
My dad ( Dr. Hefner) and Dr. Fisher were great friends from the Herman and LBJ! My dad passed away almost two years ago and after reading Dr Fishers history I can understand why they has such a long lasting friendship! Family came first, always.....they aren't called the "greatest generation" for no reason. My heart goes out to Mrs. Fisher and the rest of the family...but in my head, I can hear my dad, say "hey, Ron...welcome!" and I know that we have one more angel watching over us!
Barbara Hefner
February 5, 2013
I was stationed at 3D Field Hospital, Saigon 69-70. I worked as an RN in the Surgery ICU/recovery ward. Dr Fischer was an excellent surgeon,and highly regarded by all who worked with him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Leo Paradis
February 1, 2013
We only knew of Dr. Ronald Fischer through his son, Dr. Craig Fisher. Seemed the elder Dr. Fischer was quite the beloved father, and a well respected man. Only after Dr. Ronald Fischer's passing did we learn that in addition to being a beloved father, family man and friend, that he is a hero and a national treasure. All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Ronald Fischer, especially those in the regions where he was an innovator, leaving the medical community in a much better state than he found it. Thank you Dr. Ronald Fischer for your contributions to our military and to medicine. Our condolences to your family and friends.
Rusty & Suzanne Little
January 31, 2013
HEY DOC, WILL MISS OUR CONVERSATIONS WE USE TO HAVE WHILE WAITING FOR CRAIG TO FINISH IN THE OPERATING ROOM WHILE YOU WERE IN THE HOSPITAL. I AM GLAD THAT YOU ARE AT PEACE NOW.
GALE HOGAN
January 30, 2013
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