Recognizing Dr. J. William McRoberts

Floor Speech

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Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in special recognition of my dear friend, mentor, and former surgical chairman, Dr. J. William McRoberts, known affectionately as ``Mac.''

A native of Rochester, Minnesota, he graduated from Princeton University and attended Cornell University School of Medicine where he was elected class president.

After completing his surgical training at the Mayo Clinic, he was stationed as director of urology at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. He continued to serve in the U.S. Navy as a captain in the Reserves for 20 years.

He began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Washington, excelling throughout the ranks and becoming chairman of urology in the division of surgery at the University of Kentucky.

As my chairman, Dr. McRoberts taught me a great deal about patient care, endurance, and professionalism. Despite long and oftentimes grueling hours, he kept a great wit and humor about him, challenging us all not only to be better physicians but better humans. He demonstrated that compassion and surgical skill are not mutually exclusive.

Once he retired from academic life in 2001, instead of just enjoying the fruits of his labor, he has served in underserved areas in Kentucky and for the last 3 years in rural eastern North Carolina.

Now, at the age of 90, I am releasing him of his medical obligation to enjoy his life with his wife, Marley; son, Porter; daughter, Jane; and their grandchildren.

My life has been a better one lived because of his professionalism, humor, and friendship.

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