I too had a Mentor & his guidance was invaluable to my surgical teaching career at Washington State University (WSU).  Thomas Marchioro, MD, was Head of the kidney & liver transplant service at the U. of Washington Medical School. I spent a 6-month sabbatical leave working in his service as a surgical technologist in the human O.R. & the canine research laboratories. Dr. Marchioro taught & used surgical technique in the Halsted "silk" tradition such as how to operate deep within the abdomen, how to handle tissue gently &, most importantly, how to securely place hand-tied surgical knots. I strongly emphasized these methods to my students & residents at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

I have enjoyed following the careers of these three ACVS Diplomates who have donated to the ACVS Foundation's Mentor Program in my behalf.  Their interest in promoting the high standards of the College & ACVS Foundation is commendable. 

Jack D. Robinette, DVM, MS, DACVS