Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE: JACK L. GLUCKMAN, MD PRESIDENT FROM 2000 – 2001

J ack L. Gluckman, MD, grew up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He enrolled at the University of Cape Town Medical School at age 16, and after graduation in 1967, he completed his internships and then moved to England for a couple of years to further his studies, including a stint as a country family practitioner. He then returned to South Africa and entered the otolaryngology residency at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. After two years, he transferred to the University of Cape Town in order to increase his exposure to head and neck surgical oncology. He subsequently remained in a faculty position in the same department. When in this position, in a moment of pure serendipity, he was introduced to Dr. Donald Shumrick from Cincinnati, who was the visiting professor. Dr. Shumrick suggested that he accept a position in his department, but Dr. Gluckman declined citing the need to return to be near to his family and the fact that, “he had no idea where Cincinnati was located!” He then commenced private practice in Port Elizabeth. In 1976, everything changed with South Africa increasingly embroiled in violent unrest. He then contacted Dr. Shumrick again who offered him a fellowship in head and neck surgery, which he accepted with alacrity. He remained there for 45 years—becoming chair in 1991 and retiring in 2008. Over time, his involvement in the Academy increased including a period on the Board of Directors and being elected to serve as President from 2000 – 2001. During his tenure, in addition to the usual travails, he did have an unusual experience as being the President during 9/11, which occurred on the Tuesday of the AAO HNSF 2001 Annual Meeting and OTO EXPO in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Gluckman recalls that he was chairing a session of the International Committee when he was summoned out of the room and told what had occurred. A decision had to be made whether to abort the meeting

or continue. “Thankfully, I had the wisdom of Dr. Richard Holt, EVP, and Dr. Neil Ward, Deputy EVP, to fall back on, and a decision was made to continue with the meeting given that the carnage seemed to be confined to New York City and Washington, DC. In addition, we had nowhere to go as all airports were closed.” “What was most impressive was how all the delegates closed ranks and all those without accommodations were found rooms, and those who wanted to leave were able to get a ride to their destinations!” During his tenure, Dr. Gluckman focused on improving relationships with other specialties including plastic surgery and audiology and more clearly defining scope of practice issues. His greatest aim was he “didn’t break anything during his time as President, and I believe I accomplished that.”

Note: This profile was written and submitted by Dr. Gluckman.

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