[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 5 (Monday, January 26, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S241-S242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. HIRAM C. POLK

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a world-
renowned surgeon, inspiring educator, and fellow Louisvillian, Dr. 
Hiram C. Polk.
  While most of us are sleeping in the early morning hours, Dr. Polk is 
already hard at work, making rounds and advising residents. Since 1971, 
he has served as the chairman of the Department of Surgery at the 
University of Louisville.
  Hiram attended Millsaps College in his home State of Mississippi. As 
a favor to his chemistry professor, Hiram applied to Harvard Medical 
School. Since he wouldn't go to Massachusetts for a candidate-screening 
interview, Hiram received a visit from the late Arthur Guyton, M.D., 
Ph.D. Dr.

[[Page S242]]

Guyton, widely regarded as the world's leading physiologist, discussed 
the future with Hiram and then offered him a scholarship to Harvard 
Medical School. While Hiram eventually accepted the scholarship, he 
dropped out of the program three times because of his aversion to the 
more tedious demands of the field. He graduated from Harvard in 1960 
and began residency at Washington University in St. Louis where he was 
greatly influenced by one of his instructors, Carl Moyer, M.D. Inspired 
by Dr. Moyer, Hiram began to consider teaching. His love for 
intellectual stimulation and talent for surgery made academia a natural 
conclusion for Hiram.
  Under Hiram's leadership in the Department of Surgery at the 
University of Lousiville, the number of staff has grown from 5 to 70 
and the department now receives $1.2 million in annual grants from the 
National Institutes of Health. He's trained almost 230 general 
surgeons, more than any other surgery chair and America. He is an 
inspiration to his residents, colleagues, and patients.
  Hiram is also a leader in research. He's considered a world authority 
in surgical wound infections and has done landmark research regarding 
the use of perioperative antibiotics. Hiram is also an accomplished 
author with nearly 400 papers and journal articles. 152 textbook 
chapters, and 11 books to his name.
  Hiram is a dedicated and talented surgeon who has brought the 
University of Louisville's Department of Surgery to national 
recognition. He receives the highest praise from his residents, 
colleagues, and patients. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking 
Hiram for his dedication to medical excellence.

                          ____________________