Thomas Calcaterra M.D.

1937 - 2021

July 2, 1937 - September 27, 2021 Dr. Thomas Calcaterra died at the age of 84 following a courageous battle with an extremely rare neurologic complication of Waldenstrom disease, Bing Neel syndrome. Dr. Calcaterra was a faculty member in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine for more than 35 years and one of the department's founders. He was known internationally as a Renaissance surgeon, a master educator, an inimitable surgeon scientist, a generous leader, and a gentleman devoted to his family and the department with the same calm, steady hands that he used in surgery where nature was undone then redone masterfully.
His mother, Laura, was a nurse, and his father, Victor, owned a printing business. He claimed he became interested in surgery as a youngster when his fingers were injured in his father's printing press and he observed a surgeon suture his wounds. Dr. Calcaterra was born in Detroit, received his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan in 1958, and entered the University's medical school after 3 years. He completed a general surgery internship at UCLA, then served as a US Air Force Flight Medical Officer, returned to UCLA to conclude his general surgery residency, and completed a residency in otolaryngology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. In 1969 Dr. Calcaterra was recruited as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at UCLA and appointed full Professor of Surgery in 1979.
During his career, Dr. Calcaterra achieved international recognition and received numerous awards including the American Academy of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology Award of Merit, the Head & Neck Division Teaching Award, and the American Laryngological Association's deRoaldes Award. He served in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President and Program Chairman, American College of Surgeons Southern California Chapter; Vice President, American Broncho-Esophagological Society; Fellowship and Scholarship Committee Chair, American Society for Head and Neck Surgery and Vice President, Triological Society Western Section. He was also an integral member of prestigious National Societies including the American Board of Otolaryngology, American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Los Angeles Society of Otolaryngology, Society of University Otolaryngologists, American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, American Laryngological Society and American Rhinologic Society. Dr. Calcaterra also served on the Editorial Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Laryngoscope, Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, Head and Neck, and Cancer. As an accomplished researcher, Dr. Calcaterra published over 220 papers and more than 20 textbooks. He trained over 150 UCLA residents and was a superb mentor for residents and faculty nationally and around the globe. He was an annual recipient of the distinction of Best Doctors of America and Best Doctors in Los Angeles.
Dr. Calcaterra met his spouse of 36 years, Ellen O'Rorke, on campus when she attended UCLA Anderson School of Business. During his career and upon his retirement they were inseparable and shared similar interests crafting real estate transactions, planning epic dinner parties, and enjoyed skiing, tennis, and golf. They shared a keen interest in travel, other cultures and particularly enjoyed riding bikes throughout Europe with friends. From Madagascar to Iran, they visited more than 100 countries together.
Dr. Calcaterra is remembered for his insatiable thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader. After retirement, he audited classes at UCLA in diverse subjects such as history, economics, religion, world civilizations, and gene therapy. As a member of the Rare Fruit Growers Club, he developed his hobby as an arborist. He planted 90 different varieties of fruit trees on his hillside at home and tended to them as he would his patients. "Jam sessions" were the fruits of his labor.
Dr. Calcaterra was known for his towering presence, good nature, gentle manner, and interest in others. Always "The Inquisitor" he enjoyed one-on-one conversations and would ask questions one might not have previously been asked. His sole purpose was to discover the personal story of accomplishment that made someone unique.
Dr. Calcaterra is predeceased by his parents, his son, Scott, and survived by his wife, Ellen, his siblings Catherine Davis, Victor and Joseph Calcaterra, and his grandchildren Sophia and Nicholas Calcaterra. A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, Tom would have appreciated donations of time to nature. His light remains where a beautiful soul has passed.