Recognizing the past and looking to the future of surgery

More than 50 pediatric surgeons and guests celebrated the inaugural MGH Pediatric Surgery Alumni Reunion at the Liberty Hotel on May 20. The evening honored former surgical residents and those who served their professional development years at Mass General for Children.

At the event, which coincided with the 50^th annual American Pediatric Surgical Association conference in Boston, Daniel Patrick Ryan, MD, chief of pediatric surgery at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, was appointed as the Alumni Society’s first president. In his new role, Ryan’s goal is to develop communication vehicles and networking opportunities that will not only celebrate members’ impact on surgical practice but reconnect and reenergize alumni. 

”This was a wonderful event to reconnect with colleagues who I consider friends and mentors. Our legacy of surgical excellence and leadership began with Dr. Hardy Hendren who established the pediatric surgery service in 1960. We continue that tradition and represent the broad influence that the MGH has had on the field; inspiring pediatric residents and researchers to make further progress clinically and in the labs.” says Ryan.

With fewer than 1100 pediatric surgeons nationwide, the MGH Surgical Residency Program has become a pipeline for future surgeons. Many of the current 72 pediatric surgeons who either did their residency or research training at MGH have made significant surgical and scientific contributions – including the development of fetal surgery and tissue engineering. The newly formed group’s members also hold leadership positions both in the United States and internationally.

“MGfC has a long history of surgical successes, but that success doesn’t stop at the operating room door,” says Allan Goldstein, MD, chief of pediatric surgery. “I am proud that our department continues to inspire young surgeons to pursue a career in our unique specialty.”