FRANK SPENCER

SPENCER--Frank C.,

The NYU Langone Health community mourns the loss of Frank C. Spencer, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery at NYU School of Medicine from 1966 to 1998. Born in 1925, he entered North Texas State College at the age of 15 and finished in two and a half years. He attended Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, followed by an internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and began his residency in surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles. Frank's residency training was put on hold by his service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, where his knowledge of artery repair saved countless soldiers from amputation. The technique he used was not sanctioned by the U.S. military, but instead of being court- martialed he was honored with the Legion of Merit Award for exemplary service. He returned to his surgical training at Johns Hopkins and completed his residency in 1955. In the 1960s, Frank's work at NYU School of Medicine in techniques such as coronary artery bypass grafting served as the basis for what is now modern cardiac surgery. He also made important contributions in general cardiothoracic surgery, surgery for congenital heart disease, valvular heart surgery, thoracic aneurysm, and experiments with artificial hearts. Frank has received numerous accolades for his teaching, including earning the Distinguished Teacher Award from NYU School of Medicine twice. Frank distinguished himself as an advocate for practicing surgeons and surgical patients, in part through the American College of Surgeons, of which he was a member for 54 years, and its president from 1990 to 1991. He also served as president of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and the American Surgical Association. Frank's approach to medicine lives on in his trainees, many of whom have gone on to become surgical chairs throughout the country. We are deeply indebted to Frank for his contributions to NYU Langone and the world of medicine. Our condolences go to his daughters, Dr. Elizabeth Kay Spencer Crabb and Patricia Spencer, and his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Adelaide. He is predeceased by his wife, Connie, and his son, Frank. Kenneth G. Langone, Chair, Board of Trustees; Robert I. Grossman, MD, Dean and CEO