On March 16, 2017, the plastic surgery industry had to say goodbye to a truly remarkable plastic surgeon. The sudden passing of Dr. Scott Spear shook the plastic surgery industry. He was a true pioneer in advanced breast reconstruction techniques and an advocate for women's rights and choices in dealing with breast cancer.
Dr. Spear completed his medical school training at the University of Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Harvard Medical School, and his Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Miami. Board certified in both general surgery and plastic surgery, Dr. Spear also served as professor of surgery at Georgetown University Hospital and directed the Washington area training program in plastic surgery. Dr. Spear was the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons from 2004 to 2005, which is where I had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Spear leaves behind a long trail of accomplishments that have shaped the plastic surgery industry now and in the future. Dr. Spear conducted research on reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the breast throughout his career. His research interests and scholarly contributions were reflected in his articles on various aspects of plastic surgery. He published more than 229 articles and chapters, gave more than 100 peer-reviewed presentations, participated in 547 invited lectures, panels, and courses, and authored three editions of the seminal textbook, Surgery of the Breast: Principles and Art. Dr. Spear was the breast section editor for the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and his opinions are sought and featured in many media forums.
I remember Dr. Spear, and I am sure everyone would agree, as approachable, kind, thoughtful, and extremely humble. As a nurse, and a representative of ASPSN, Dr. Spear never made me feel uneasy to approach and ask him questions. He had a commitment to the field of plastic surgery and understood the importance of collaboration among all health care professionals to ensure that the patients were the central focus of our care.
As president-elect of ASPSN, I had the privilege to testify at the 2003 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) breast implant hearing in Washington, DC. This was an extremely stressful time for the plastic surgery industry, but, with Dr. Spear at the helm, the waters appeared calm and the horizon was in sight.
"One of Scott's greatest accomplishments was the closing argument he gave before the FDA, representing women, physicians and manufacturers, and which was pivotal in the FDA's decision to approve silicone-gel breast implants in the United States after 13 years of restriction-thus offering women more choices in breast reconstruction. He's likely singularly responsible for the return of FDA-approved silicone-gel implants to the United States," says long-time friend Patrick Maxwell, MD, Nashville, TN.
Scott was a real gentleman with natural leadership skills in working with people from diverse backgrounds-He always saw the best in others and brought that out in how he lived his life. I have not only lost a dear, close friend, but plastic surgery has lost part of its soul. We must remember Scott for all he taught us-including to do the right thing when all else fails. God bless him. (Rod Rohrich, MD, Dallas, TX)
Dr. Spear was incredibly kind, innovative and a great leader. (Sue Kunz, past president ASPSN)
Such a great and personable man and physician. I love that PSN is honouring him. He truly enveloped nursing contributions to plastic surgery. (Sharon Fritzsche, past president ASPSN)
As a tribute to Dr. Spear, I am dedicating this issue of the Plastic Surgical Nursing journal in his honor. We have included previous articles authored by Dr. Spear, so you can appreciate his commitment, knowledge, and passion for plastic surgery.
Dr. Spear built educational bridges, so we can explore and understand new areas of plastic surgery. He was a great leader and mentor who is sadly gone, but certainly not forgotten. (Tracey A. Hotta, past president ASPSN).
Respectfully,
Tracey A. Hotta, RN, BScN, CPSN, CANS, LNC