George D. Zuidema, M.D., professor of surgery and vice provost emeritus for medical affairs, will retire from active faculty status on June 30, 1995. Dr. Zuidema has had an illustrious career, characterized by clinical skill, academic productivity, and national leadership. Born in Holland, Michigan, Dr. Zuidema received his undergraduate degree from Hope College and was awarded his M.D. degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 1953. After general surgical training at Massachusetts General Hospital, he began his academic career at the University of Michigan Medical School as an assistant professor in 1960 and was promoted to associate professor in 1964. In 1964, at the remarkable age of 36, Dr. Zuidema was appointed Warfield M. Firor Professor and director, Section of Surgical Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a post he held for 20 years. In 1984, Dr. Zuidema was named vice provost for medical affairs and professor of surgery at the University of Michigan, a position he held until 1994. Dr. Zuidema is the author of 269 manuscripts and 20 books. He has served as co-editor of Surgery for 20 years, and he was founding editor of The Journal of Surgical Research.

His interests have covered a wide range of subjects, including basic science, clinical surgery, and most recently, outcomes research and health policy. In recognition of Dr. Zuidema's contribution to the latter area, the Hospitals last year endowed a chair in surgery, entitled the George D. Zuidema Professorship in Surgery. Dr. Zuidema was a leader in every important national surgical society. Most notably, he was a founding member of the Association of Academic Surgery and served as its president in 1968. His leadership was characterized by a calm manner, incisive thinking, and, importantly, a keen wit. While serving as vice provost for medical affairs at the University of Michigan, Dr. Zuidema provided strong leadership and clear direction. During his tenure, the University saw the development of the Cancer and Geriatrics Centers and a marked expansion of research facilities.

Regents Proceedings, September, 1993, p. 76