[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 278--COMMENDING ERNEST BURGESS, M.D. FOR HIS SERVICE 
               TO THE NATION AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

  Mr. KERREY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 278

       Whereas Dr. Ernest Burgess has practiced medicine for over 
     50 years;
       Whereas Dr. Burgess has been a pioneer in the field of 
     prosthetic medicine, spearheading ground breaking advances in 
     hip replacement surgery and new techniques in amputation 
     surgery;
       Whereas in 1964, recognizing his work in prosthetic 
     medicine, the United States Veterans' Administration chose 
     Dr. Burgess to establish Prosthetic Research Study, a leading 
     center for post operative amputee treatment;
       Whereas Dr. Burgess was the recipient of the 1985 United 
     States Veterans' Administration Olin E. League Award and 
     honored as the United States Veterans' Administration 
     Distinguished Physician;
       Whereas Dr. Burgess' work on behalf of disabled veterans 
     has allowed thousands of veterans to lead full and healthy 
     lives;
       Whereas Dr. Burgess is internationally recognized for his 
     humanitarian work;
       Whereas Dr. Burgess established the Prosthetics Outreach 
     Foundation, which since 1988, has enabled over 10,000 
     children and adults in the developing world to receive 
     quality prostheses;
       Whereas Dr. Burgess' life long commitment to humanitarian 
     causes led him to establish a demonstration clinic in Vietnam 
     to provide free limbs to thousands of amputees;
       Whereas Dr. Burgess has received numerous professional and 
     educational distinctions recognizing his efforts on behalf of 
     those in need of care; and
       Whereas Dr. Burgess' exceptional service and his unfailing 
     dedication to improving the lives of thousands of individuals 
     merit high esteem and admiration: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the United States Senate commends Ernest 
     Burgess, M.D. for a life devoted to providing care and 
     service to his fellow man.

  Mr. KERREY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Dr. Ernest M. 
Burgess, a man who has dedicated his life to cleansing sickness from 
the lives of countless people.
  When my grandchildren study the events that shaped the development of 
the twentieth century, the American Century as some call it, they will 
be learning of the life of Dr. Burgess. I often speak of the admirable 
sacrifices and tremendous foresight of this generation of Americans: a 
generation who, more than any before it, left an indelible imprint on 
the course of human history. Dr. Burgess, like thousands of his 
contemporaries, was an ordinary citizen who lived an extraordinary life 
of service and accomplishment.
  Born eleven years into the new century, Ernie was raised in the 
character of the rural American West. Influenced by a remarkable aunt 
who practiced medicine at a time when most women couldn't vote, he 
became attracted to serving and caring for the sick. Upon completion of 
his medical degree and residency at Columbia and Cornell Universities, 
Dr. Burgess served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946.
  Mr. President, one of the bitterest effects of war visits those who 
suffer debilitating wounds and then live a life forever altered. As an 
orthopedic surgeon involved in ground breaking advancements in 
prosthetic surgery, Dr. Burgess has allowed thousands of amputees the 
opportunity to return to activities unimaginable at the time of the 
injury. He is a pioneer in the field of prosthetic research and 
responsible for the establishment of Prosthetics Research Study (PRS), 
which is one of the leading centers in the world for post-operative 
care. Through a career that spans six decades, Dr. Burgess has used his 
medical gifts to improve the health of his fellow humans.
  As a veteran and amputee, I live with the daily reminder of the costs 
of war. Because of the work of Dr. Burgess, I and thousands of veterans 
have a more powerful reminder of our service: one where our lives are 
complete and rewarding.
  Through his work with the Prosthetic Research Study, Dr. Burgess 
pioneered new surgical techniques that allow amputees to move with more 
comfort and mobility. The development of lightweight and responsive 
materials have permitted thousands of amputees the freedom to 
participate in physical activities from skiing to basketball. On a 
personal note, my passion for running and my ability to ski and play 
golf and walk these halls could not be a reality without the advances 
spearheaded by the PRS and Dr. Burgess.
  Throughout his career, Dr. Burgess has continued to be at the 
forefront of improving prosthetic techniques. A teacher and author of 
surgical and rehabilitation texts, he tirelessly emphasizes 
constructive surgery for amputees. As he often states, ``the way the 
surgery is performed will affect the rest of his life.'' Dr. Burgess 
takes this philosophy to heart and I admire his continued pursuit of 
improving medical care.
  The effects of war are inflicted mainly on the innocent and young. 
After American participation in Vietnam ended we slowly realized the 
breadth of the war's destruction on so many Vietnamese. The existence 
of thousands of injured civilians highlighted the larger world problem 
of poor medical treatment in many parts of the world--parts that are 
also the most war-torn. In 1988, at the prompting of United States 
Vietnam Veterans who had visited Vietnam, Dr. Burgess and others worked 
to establish the Prosthetics Outreach Center (POC). This clinic has 
provided thousands of Vietnamese with free limbs and allowed them to 
rediscover the completeness of their lives.
  Mr. President, as the men and women of America's greatest generation, 
enter a new century, I remain in awe of their continuing achievements. 
The remarkable career of Dr. Burgess epitomizes the commitment to 
improving peoples lives through dedicated effort. I am proud to be able 
to submit this Resolution recognizing a great man and paying tribute to 
his attainments and his goals. Thank you, Dr. Burgess, and I know my 
colleagues join me in recognition of your accomplishments.

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