[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 26, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN FRYMOYER

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding Vermonter, Dr. John Frymoyer. John's unwavering commitment 
toward improving the health of all Vermonters serves as a testament to 
us all. His long and distinguished career began at the University of 
Vermont in 1964. Now, as he prepares for his retirement, he is a 
stunning example of how much one person can accomplish in a lifetime--
how one person can positively affect so many.
  John began his career specializing in orthopaedics and quickly became 
one of the world's leading authorities on lower back pain--something 
many of us can relate to. He served as Chairman of the Department of 
Orthopaedic Surgery from 1979-1987, and Chief Executive Officer of the 
University Health Center from 1987-1991. His leadership posts include 
the Director of the McClure Musculoskeletal Research Center and one of 
the founders of the Vermont Back Research Center. He also helped launch 
the acclaimed International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine.
  John was one of the key architects of Fletcher Allen Health Care, 
which in 1995 combined the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, Fanny 
Allen Hospital and the University Health Center. In doing so, Fletcher 
Allen emerged as one of northern New England's preeminent health care 
providers. It was a very bold move, but a necessary one considering the 
dynamics of our health care system. John rose to the challenge, and it 
was no surprise that he served as Fletcher Allen's first chief 
executive officer, simultaneously while he was at the helm of the 
College of Medicine.
  Since 1991, John has served as Dean of the University of Vermont 
College of Medicine. Simply put, his accomplishments as Dean are far 
too many to list, but certainly, strengthening UVM's research programs, 
building a curriculum for the 21st century, and addressing the unique 
health care needs of our rural communities are among them. On a more 
personal note, whether as Dean, doctor or professor, John was always 
approachable, something I know his students, faculty and staff admired 
and appreciated.
  I should also acknowledge John's willingness to personally advise me 
over the years on critical health care and education matters. As a 
longtime member, and now Chairman, of the committee which oversees 
health care and education policy, it was comforting to know that I 
could always rely on John's competence and expertise in such areas as 
medical research, telemedicine, home health care, graduate medical 
education and Medicare reform. In this, as in every other capacity, his 
mark has been left far beyond that of the UVM campus. It is this deep 
commitment to his patients, students and the greater community that has 
endeared him to us.
  One might imagine that amidst all his responsibilities, John would 
find little time for extracurricular activities--not so. John is also 
an accomplished organist, a published author and a skilled woodworker. 
In fact, he designed much of the furniture adorning the Dean's office. 
He also helped design an extensive playground for Burlington's King 
Street Area Youth Program, and he served as a captain in the Vermont 
National Guard for eight years.
  Vermont has much to be grateful for when it comes to John's steadfast 
commitment to improving the quality of life in our small state. 
Although he is retiring on the last day of this century, it is 
reassuring to know that his legacy will lead the College of Medicine, 
Fletcher Allen and the greater community we call Vermont, into the next 
millennium. For that, Vermont owes a great deal of gratitude to John 
Frymoyer. We wish him well.

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