[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING DR. THOMAS E. STARZL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELISSA A. HART

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2001

  Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Thomas E. Starzl arrived in Pittsburgh 
some 20 years ago, and began his legendary work at the University of 
Pittsburgh. It wasn't long after that the city became a world renowned 
Mecca for organ transplantation. Since his arrival, more than 11,300 
organ transplants have been performed at the University--an 
accomplishment unmatched by any other program in the world. These 
transplants represent the thousands of lives that Dr. Starzl touched, 
and the true magnitude of his contribution to medicine. Like Dr. Starzl 
himself, many of these patients are heroes--who even in their death 
taught invaluable lessons that have advanced the field of organ 
transplantation for the betterment of all mankind. Today, we think 
nothing of replacing organs that have failed. But if it weren't for the 
trailblazing efforts of Dr. Starzl, which have spanned more than four 
decades ago, we would not be standing here in celebration of life--
indeed thousands and thousands of lives.
  This year marks the 20th anniversary of Dr. Starzl's first liver 
transplant in Pittsburgh, a milestone that spawned two decades of major 
advances by Dr. Starzl and University of Pittsburgh faculty. Their work 
sparked clinical and research activity of immense importance to the 
medical community. Countless numbers of surgeons and researchers have 
come to Pittsburgh from around the world to learn from the work of Dr. 
Starzl. Surgeons returned to their home institutions with newly forged 
skills to offer patients life-saving services. Research scientists went 
back into the laboratories,
  On April 27, Dr. Starzl's former students and colleagues will pay 
tribute to him as he enters emeritus status at the University of 
Pittsburgh. It will be a celebration much to Dr. Starzl's liking--an 
academic gathering in order to share important scientific information.
  Dr. Starzl is a true pioneer who has transformed the world of 
medicine. Since that day in 1963 when he performed the world's first 
liver transplant at the University of Colorado, he has been at the 
forefront of the heroic and life-saving advancements that are 
continually being made in the medical community. His work will have a 
lasting influence on the field of organ transplantation, and the world 
of medicine as a whole. Dr. Starzl continues to inspire a new 
generation of medical pioneers, and serves as an example of what 
determination and passion and for one's work can achieve. So we honor 
you today, Dr. Starzl, for your life's work. We thank you for your 
passion, which has touched so many lives, and surely will touch many, 
many more.

                          ____________________