“JOE” (JOSEPH S. GRUSS, MD)

It has been over a year since the death of Joseph Gruss, MD, and it really does not seem possible that he is not still here. As I close my eyes, I can see him standing to approach the microphone, providing sage comments, and asking penetrating questions.

“He pioneered techniques now routinely used in craniofacial trauma management; he was among the first surgeons in the world to utilize modern craniofacial exposures and rigid internal fixation techniques. In 1988, he received the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) Barrett Brown Award for pioneering work related to immediate bone grafting for complex craniofacial injuries. Now taken as dogma, at the time it was highly controversial; critics were convinced by Joe’s honest presentation and assessment of results.”

RICHARD HOPPER

He went from trauma and skin cancer at Sunnybrook in Toronto to Seattle where he, his trainees, and colleagues built one of the finest craniofacial and reconstructive surgery training programs in the world, and one which captured the craniofacial volume—both trauma, tumors, and congenital—of the entire Pacific Northwest. His selfless performance and bottomless energy was essential to the building of one of the premier craniofacial units in the United States and the world.

He continued to learn about how to manage and master the toughest most challenging cases; he literally took them all on, shouldering this responsibility with courage, wisdom, and relentless devotion—he was the ‘best surgeon’ and an unmatched patient advocate. His honesty with all things could be approached, but not exceeded.

As his friend and colleague, I continuously benefitted greatly from his skill, advice, and insight. We had a particularly enjoyable friendly rivalry—he would often look at one of my trainees, and ask “Who taught you that?”

I still think of him often, remembering his gentle manner and his wise council; and I especially miss him in conversation, when I have a case I am struggling with.

And of course, I think of him every time I am going to do a case I know he would have liked to have done. I can never forget what he meant to me and to my patients, and I am very grateful for his life—a part of which was spent helping me.