[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO DR. EDMOND F. RITTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a 
distinguished academic surgeon, Edmond F. Ritter. It is an honor to 
represent Dr. Ritter in the House of Representatives and it behooves us 
to pay tribute to this outstanding leader in American Medicine.
  Dr. Ritter received his Medical degree from Washington University in 
St. Louis, where he completed General Surgical Training. Dr. Ritter 
then underwent Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Training at the 
University of California San Francisco. After completing his training, 
he was appointed to the faculty at Duke University Medical Center. He 
was later named, ``The Duke Distinguished Physician,'' in recognition 
of his contributions to the institution and patient care.
  Dr. Ritter is an influential member of the medical community. As a 
gifted surgeon with special expertise in reconstructive microsurgery, 
he is able to provide skilled, state-of-the-art care to patients with 
difficult problems. In particular, his results for patients with 
cancers of the head, breast, and neck are unsurpassed.
  Dr. Ritter has had an integral role in the training and mentorship of 
over 30 young plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Many of these 
aspiring surgeons have accepted academic positions and have become 
leaders in their communities.
  Currently, Dr. Ritter is an Associate Professor at the Medical 
College of Georgia. In addition to making multiple contributions to the 
surgical literature, he is leading an investigation of Tumor and Adult 
Stem cell interactions in order to advance our understanding of tumor 
biology.
  As a result, Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent upon this 
body to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Edmond Ritter for sharing 
his talents and services to improve the medical, physical, and 
emotional well-being of those in need.

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