Richard Anderson: cardiothoracic surgeon personified.

Abstract

Richard Anderson epitomized the best of the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery. A superb technical surgeon, he spent the majority of his career at the Virginia Mason Clinic in Seattle where he headed a highly regarded cardiac surgery program. His no nonsense work ethic and integrity were widely respected and resulted in multiple professional leadership roles: President of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association, Chairman of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery Examination Committee, President of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and President of CTSNet. Richard Anderson will be remembered for his strength of character and his enormous selfless contributions of time and energy to our specialty.