[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. THOMAS STARZL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN E. PETERSON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2001

  Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
one of the truly great Americans of the 20th century, Dr. Thomas 
Starzl, the renowned ``Father of Transplantation.''
  Dr. Starzl turned 75-years old on March 11th, and his former 
students, colleagues, patients and others are gathering in Pittsburgh 
in late April for the dedication of a portrait to hang alongside other 
University of Pittsburgh medical research luminaries such as Dr. Jonas 
Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine. Dr. Starzl's pioneering work on 
organ transplantation is no less important to our society.
  One considered to be mere science fiction, the reality of organ 
transplantation is today often taken for granted. For years throughout 
his early career, Dr. Starzl tirelessly experimented with 
transplantation in the face of adversity and the skepticism of his 
colleagues and academics. But he succeeded, and because of his work 
thousands of lives are saved each year by organ transplant surgery.
  It was 20-years ago this year that Dr. Starzl performed the first 
liver transplant in Pittsburgh. Since that time, more than 11,300 
transplants have been performed in what is now the UPMC Health System, 
making Pittsburgh the busiest transplant center in the world. Even 
though he retired from surgery in 1991, his work and dedication to the 
field of transplantation continues and is unmatched.
  Now as we proceed into a new century, his work continues. Just 
because he's now emeritus does not mean he will be idle. He still 
contributes on a daily basis (just a few years ago he was named the 
most cited in clinical medicine) and he will provide leadership and 
vision to the program that bears his name.
  Few in their lifetimes have pioneered and developed a field of 
medicine and seen it flourish, as has Dr. Starzl. And expect more from 
him--there are breakthroughs around the corner.

                          ____________________