Journal of Investigative Surgery, 15:181, 2002Copyright °c 2002 Taylor & Francis

0894-1939/02 $12.00 + .00

In M emoriam : Douglas M. Cromeens,D. V. M., 1952–2002

Doug Cromeens, Academy of Surgical Research, President-Elect,passed away unexpectedly on April 6, 2002 in Houston, Texas.Doug was an early member of the Academy of Surgical Research,

a group that was very important to him and to which he devoted a greatdeal of effort. He served as a committee member, committee chair, Boardof Directors member and of� cer. He was preparing to assume the of� ceof ASR President in October 2002. The year Doug was Finance Commit-tee Chair he more than doubled non-dues contributions. In November2001, when the Academy’s management group unexpectedly canceledour contract, Doug assumed the task of Chair of the search/selectioncommittee. He approached this task with great enthusiasm, industry,and dedication; he was extremely well organized, effective, and ef� cientin all that he undertook.

Doug was a 1976 graduate of the Texas A & M College of VeterinaryMedicine, who entered private practice after graduation. While in prac-tice he developed an interest and expertise in surgery. In 1982 he joinedthe Department of Comparative Medicine at M. D. Anderson where hebecame Chief of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. He was promotedto the rank of Full Professor in 2001. He was developing laser surgerytechniques to remove cancerous prostate glands and working on ways tocombat mold infections in cancer patients.

In e-mails and over � ne cigars and Wild Turkey, Doug often spoke ofhis children, his hunting and � shing exploits, and his � ancee, who hadaccepted his proposal of marriage on March 31, 2002.

Doug was a devoted father, avid outdoorsman, and a licensed pilotwho built and � ew his own airplane. Doug is survived by his � ve children(four sons and one daughter), his mother and stepmother and his � anceeCatherine Lucas. Funeral services were held on April 9 and a memorialservice at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center on May 2, 2002

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