You, your patient, and the medical-device industry: applications from my Louisville years

Hiram C. Polk, Jr, M.D.—forever to be known as “The Boss”—is retiring as Chair of the University of Louisville Department of Surgery after 33 years where he directed the training of almost 250 surgeons. I was fortunate to have been one of those. From his first days, Dr. Polk’s goal and mission centered on excellence in patient care followed by excellence in surgical education; other issues, although of extreme importance, were well down the list. I did not realize what a profound impact the beliefs and culture of the Louisville experience would have on my professional and academic career. Accordingly, the purpose herein is to dissect those prevailing central themes and beliefs that led to the longevity and consistency of Dr. Polk’s success and had such an impact on so many young surgeons. Hopefully, the discerning reader will note the parallelism of doing the right thing whether as a departmental chairman or a practicing surgeon making daily decisions in patient care.