History of surgical training in Kalamazoo

Abstract

This narrative reviews the history and evolution of surgical training in Southwest Michigan, particularly Kalamazoo, over the past 100 years. During this time, the de novo growth of medical treatment and the gradual and progressive establishment of medical and surgical training, paralleled with innovation, have shaped the clinical practices in Southwest Michigan. The surgical expertise that exists in Kalamazoo has made it one of the most important headquarters for surgical innovation, not only in the United States, but in the world. The surgical training program in Kalamazoo began in the 1960s, and this accredited general surgery residency program has graduated numerous successful surgeons. Currently this program is one of several training programs at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed), the only medical school in Southwest Michigan. Under the leadership of Dean Surgeon Dr. Paula Termuhlen and Chair Dr. Robert Sawyer, a bright future in surgical education, research, and innovation is highly anticipated. Expectations of future growth in this program will provide a significant pipeline for graduating physicians and surgeons for decades to come.

Keywords: History of medicine; Stryker; Surgery history; Surgical training in Kalamazoo.

Fig. 1A

Kalamazoo Hospital 1905 (predecessor to Bronson Hospital) [Source: Local History collection, Kalamazoo Public Library, Michigan].

Fig. 1B

Bronson Methodist Hospital 1949 [Source: Local History collection, Kalamazoo Public Library, Michigan].

Fig. 2

Borgess Hospital, Gull Road, 1917 [Source: Local History collection, Kalamazoo Public Library, Michigan].

Fig. 3

Dr. Stryker, orthopaedic surgeon and inventor works on research and development of surgical instruments [Source: Stryker Corporation].

Fig. 4

MSU/KCMS General Surgery Residency graduation (1997 Class) Left to Right: Willam Behrje, Richard Jefson, Dick Hodgman, Stuart Bussle (PGY2), Paul Albear (R4), Jamal Mahdavian (R5), Jim Kilway II (R2), Sean O'Brien (R5), Brian Anderson (R3), Doug Cummins (R3), Duane Frier, Jim Kilway, Karen Draper (R4), Michael McLeod, Chuck Black (R3), Gus Roty, John Kostin. (Source: Courtesy of Dr. Sean O'Brien).

Fig. 5

Surgery Program leadership (1973–2021) From left to right: James Kilway, MD (1973–1978), Duane Freier, MD (1993–2000), Michael McLeod, MD (2000–2009), Earl Norman, MD (2009–2015), Saad Shebrain, MD (2015-current).

Fig. 6

Evolution timeline of medicine and surgical practice and training in Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.A.

Fig. 7A

New leadership in the department of Surgery Robert sawyer, MD, department chair (2017-current).

Fig. 7B

New leadership in the department of Surgery Dean Paula Termuhlen, MD, Western Michigan University Homer stryker M.D. School of medicine.