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TRIBUTE TO DR. TOM PETTY
(Dec. 23, 1932 - - Dec. 12, 2009)
Dr. Thomas
Petty, born in Boulder Colorado on December 23, 1932, completed his
undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado in 1955, and his
doctorate degree from University of Colorado School of
Medicine in 1958. There he received the first of more than 25 career
awards as the top graduating student. After completing his internship at
Philadelphia General Hospital and assistant residency at the University of
Michigan he returned to University of Colorado School of Medicine for his
junior and senior residency. By 1963, he was the Chief Resident in
Internal Medicine at University of Colorado School of Medicine.
The 1960's saw major changes and improvements in technology in pulmonary
medicine. Dr. Petty was there at the beginning and became a leader and a
major force in bringing about change at the University of Colorado, where
so many important discoveries took place. His early work led to
discoveries that identified Acute
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - a previously unrecognized form of a
sudden and devastating lung injury. Today more than 65 percent of ARDS
patients survive.
The 60's also saw one of his earliest and most recognized career
achievements. His work in the University of Colorado involved the oxygen
equipment being used in the space program at NASA. He discovered that the
same type of apparatus that worked to help astronauts breathe in space
could help patients with lung disease
breathe better. From this came studies involving portables, especially
those utilizing liquid oxygen. Studies then began to also show the value
of long term oxygen treatment. He would become an international authority
on respiratory disease and be known as the father of home oxygen.
Some of the items in his curriculum vitae (medical resume), which is
over 50 pages long, are:
-
Professor
of Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in
Denver
-
Professor
of Medicine at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago
-
Professor
of Medicine Emeritus at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center
in Denver
-
Organizer
and founding President of the Association of Pulmonary Program Directors
-
Founding
Chairman of the National Lung Health Education Program
-
President
of the American College of Chest Physicians
-
Author of
over 800 articles in medical journal
-
Author or
editor of 45 books or editions
-
Wrote the
introduction or forwards for dozens of publications by others
In a strange
twist, he would become a patient, having developed COPD. As a patient he
authored "Adventures of an Oxy-Phile", providing the unique viewpoint of
both a doctor and patient for patients who have the need for supplemental
oxygen.
Without his efforts and those of his close associates, COPD protocols and
treatments would be years behind where they are now. The COPD Community
has lost one of its greatest teachers and friend. Dr. Tom was there for us
all - including physicians, therapists, nurses, caregivers, and especially
patients.
As a physician with
COPD, he taught us by his own example and experience. His leadership in
COPD education in all areas, including testing, early diagnosis, rehab,
and the use of supplemental oxygen, is unparalleled. He will be missed by
all in the COPD world.
cg
Originally in COPD International newsletter
Monday, December 14,
2009 -- Volume #8 -- Issue #50 |
