Newspapers / Crossroads (Belmont, N.C.) / May 1, 1972, edition 1 / Page 3
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MAY 1972 CROSSROADS • Page 3 Alumnus Profile Pat O’Leary, Surgeon - Teacher The name O’Leary conjures up quiet scenes of old Ireland or of a famous lady and her cow becoming the cause of a catastrophic fire in the windy city of another time. However, this name O’Leary is attached to Dr. Patrick who is giving further honor to that now legendary name as Administrative Chief Resident Surgeon for Shands Teaching Hospital of the University of Florida and the Veterans Hospital of Gainesville, Florida. His story can be characterized by one word — excellence. The world of healing and repairing the human body has changed vastly but the long, long hours of mental and physical strain remain for those dedicated to that demanding profession. Born June 20, 1941, in New York City, Pat entered Belmont Abbey College in 1959 and became an outstanding student, achieving membership in the Delta Epsilon Sigma honor society. Well rounded, he also enjoyed a sound reputation as one of the Abbey’s most proficient third basemen. Pat culminated his four years of achievement with the salutatorian address to his class. He continued to collect well- earned honors during the time he studied at the University of Florida Medical School. He was initiated into Alpha Omega Alpha, the medical field’s counterpart to Phi Beta Kappa, which selects its members from only the top 10 percent of the class. In his senior year he was awarded the John Gorrie Award which is presented to only one senior each year by _ the faculty for academic excellence and ability to treat patients. He once again maintained his standard of excellence when he was awarded an internship at Boston City Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts - considered by rr Pat and Kevin discuss the Journal of Medicine. most the finest in the Medical Profession. Following his in ternship he returned to the University of Florida for his surgery residence. Here he recently received the Hugh M. Hill Award known as the best teacher award and presented to the outstanding member of the hospital house staff of ap proximately 250 members. Pat has also recently received a grant from the Southern Medical Association to continue his research in wound infection and a surgical approach to diabetes. This grant is awarded on the basis of his prior ex cellence in research. In a recent interview Pat stated “I enjoy teaching. It’s a very worthwhile profession. I would certainly like to continue teaching young surgeons; however, I haven’t ruled out practice.” Dr. O’Leary has realized his preference. He has been appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Florida. He is the first doctor in the history of the surgery department to be selected from within the ranks of the University of Florida Medical School graduates. To add magnitude to this rare honor Pat received similar offers from Rutgers and Emory University. This year as Assistant Professor he will concentrate in gastro- internal surgery and work with the leading authorities in the field of stomach surgery. When asked what surgery is most interesting to perform, he stated “delivering a baby is probably the most exciting work I do. Next to that, I guess kidney transplants.’’ Pat also advised he was happy to report Belmont Abbey College is recognized by the University of Florida Medical School as a quality institution whose graduates have done well in medical school there. Pat is married to “Sam” Morrison of Hackensack, New Jersey who is a graduate of Sacred Heart College. They have three and one-half children. (They hope the new addition expected in July will be a girl). Of their present children, Winifred Ann is six; James Patrick II, four and one-half; and .John Bannon, two and one- half. f*** *"•«■> Dr. O’Leary and Kevin Soden talk about medicine. Shands Teaching Hospital of the University of Florida.
Crossroads (Belmont, N.C.)
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May 1, 1972, edition 1
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