A Tribute to the Incomparable John S. Najarian, MD (1927-2020)

Abstract

In this article, author Mary E. Knatterud, PhD, pays tribute to her incomparable longtime boss, transplant surgeon-scientist John S. Najarian, MD, who died at the age of 92 on August 31, 2020. The two worked together for several decades in the University of Minnesota Department of Surgery, which he chaired from July 1967 until February 1993. With deep affection and abiding respect, Knatterud describes his stellar academic background, internationally renowned career, and high-achieving yet genial style. She also showcases a cross-section of heartfelt comments (gathered by her, via email and/or phone, the sad week of his death) from colleagues in the workplace he built: Mary Jane Towle; Mary Dodds; Rainer W.G. Gruessner, MD; Barbara Elick, RN, BSN, MA; Henry Buchwald, MD, PhD; Catherine Statz, RN, MPH; and David A. Rothenberger, MD.