The world of WOC nursing has lost a champion and a legend. Frank Weakley, MD, a pioneering colorectal surgeon and ardent supporter of WOC nursing, died November 17, 2009, at the age of 83. Dr Weakley was born in California and attended Pomona College. He served our country during World War II as an electronic technician's mate. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and accepted a position as Research Assistant in the School of Medicine. His original plan was to continue his studies in zoology, but his experience in surgical research led him to medicine and surgery.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania College of Medicine and Surgery, where he also served his internship and general surgical residency. Dr Weakley decided to pursue an additional year of surgical residency at the Lahey Clinic. It was there that his love of colorectal surgery was born. After serving a 2-year colorectal fellowship with Dr Neil Swinton, Dr Weakley accepted a position at the Cleveland Clinic in 1962. This proved to be a decision of epic proportions. After joining forces with Dr Rupert Turnbull, Dr Weakley embarked on a remarkable career in colorectal surgery. His skill as a surgeon, educator, and researcher led to the improvement of the lives of countless patients from around the world.
His early support of Norma Gill led to the acceptance and growth of Enterostomal Therapy (now known as Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing) among healthcare professionals. During his tenure at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF; 1962-1995), Dr Weakley served as Medical Director of the Section of Enterostomal Therapy and the R.B. Turnbull Jr School of Enterostomal Therapy. He took an active role in the school, lecturing and participating in the graduation ceremony. He always made time to be at the graduation luncheon and presented the students their certificates as well as a few congratulatory words. Among his many professional accomplishments was coauthoring the 1967 Atlas of Intestinal Stomas, with Dr Turnbull. This text remains a classic tome for stoma site selection and stoma construction. Dr Weakley was instrumental in researching and promoting the use of the surgical stapler in colorectal surgery and rubber banding of internal hemorrhoids. People with cancer were especially dear to Dr Weakley's heart. He was a president of the Cuyahoga County, Ohio unit of the American Cancer Society as well as a founding member of Hope Lodge and the Northeast Ohio Hospice Association. Frank Weakley, MD, was an exemplary surgeon, researcher, clinician, author, and humanitarian as well as a loving husband to his wife Margaret and a caring father to his children. The preceding adjectives are often seen in tributes, but in this case, they fail to convey the essences of the man we knew and respected. The following vignettes from his colleagues will give a brief glimpse on not only what Dr Weakley accomplished but also who he was as a person.
Dr James Wu, Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Staff Surgeon, relating his first meeting with Dr Weakley in Cleveland, Ohio: I recall the day I came to interview for the Fellowship position at CCF. Back then, the candidates were interviewed one by one in alphabetical order starting in the late afternoon. Being Wu, I was the last. When the interviews were done, it was dark, drizzling, and cold outside. I had taken the train and bus from the airport but could not remember how to retrace my steps. Sadly, I prepared to walk to Hopkins. A firm hand touched me on the shoulder and said, "Need a lift?" It was Dr Weakley who drove me to the airport even though it was in the direction opposite his home. I remember his kindness fondly to this day. I shall miss him.
Barbara Hocevar, BSN, RN, CWOCN, Manager WOC Nursing, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio: Dr. Weakley always made time to attend the graduation luncheon for each ET(WOC Nursing Class. It did not matter how busy he was-he would arrive to proudly award the certificates and announce to the class, "This is not an ending but a beginning." He also would award a 'Stoma Diploma' to select patients who had learned to care for their new stomas. I remember a particular lady to whom he had given the diploma; she showed it to everyone who came into her room, and I mean everyone. She was so proud of it!! It was a visible sign to her that she was, indeed, able to embark on this new road and that she would be able to manage.
Rob Turnbull, son of Dr Rupert Turnbull: I remember Dr. Weakley when he first came to work with my father. He was a positive gentleman who always had a smile and kind word for everyone. As my father related to me, Frank Weakley graduated from the same college he did in Claremont, California-Pomona College. I know they spent hours working on the Atlas of Intestinal Stomas at our home and of course at CCF working closely with the photographer and graphics man, Mr. Reid.
Paula Erwin Toth, MSN, RN, CWOCN, CNS, Director, WOC Nursing Education, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio: The lectures given by Dr. Weakley during my ET class were among the best I have ever heard on the subjects of anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, colorectal cancer, and intestinal stomas. He waxed poetic over the rectum for at least 40 minutes. I was mesmerized. After my graduation, he was always gracious and willing to take the calls and answer the questions of a novice ET Nurse. He gave me practical advice on communicating effectively with surgeons, many of whom at time were less than receptive to my opinion. His advice, take a deep breath, be accurate and concise, and remember you are doing this for your patients' health and well being, is advice that I use to this day.
Those of us who were fortunate enough to know and work with Dr Weakley will treasure his memory and ensure his legacy of skill, sharing, and compassion will live on in the patients we care for and the students we teach.
Paula Erwin-Toth, MSN, CWOCN
Director, WOC Nursing Education Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Ohio.
Barbara J. Hocevar, BSN, RN, CWOCN
Nurse Manager, ET/WOC Nursing, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio