Overcoming Challenges: Lamar Soutter, M.D. (1909-1996)

Abstract

Objective: This poster chronicles the life and career of Lamar Soutter, who overcame both personal and professional challenges in becoming the founding dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Our objective is to demonstrate how the fields of medicine and medi­cal education have benefitted from Soutter’s determination to meet and overcome adversity in his life. Methods: A Web-based exhibit highlighting Soutter’s life was devel­oped recently by a team of librarians. By making extensive local and national contacts, we were able to assemble a chronology of life events for Soutter. Our research has revealed that throughout his life, Soutter has overcome several distinct personal and professional challenges. Significant contributions to medicine and its practice have been the result, including the establishment of a blood bank and the creation of a new state medical school. Other events include a research expedition through uncharted territory in the Yukon, during which he and a com­panion nearly lost their lives, and his gallant service in World War II as a field surgeon behind enemy lines during the Battle of the Bulge. Results: The Lamar Soutter Website exhibit is available at library.umassmed.edu/soutter/. Conclusions: Soutter overcame personal and professional adversity to achieve distinction as a scientist, physician, educator, and humanitar­ian. Presented at: The Medical Library Association's annual meeting, May 2005.