Our Founder
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"The principle of self-reliance is key to restoring stability to war-torn nations and confidence to their people. Let us look forward to peace and stand ready to share our skills and knowledge, recognizing that there is no greater act than giving people the tools to improve their own lives."
Ernest Burgess, MD |
The Surgeon
Born in Utah into a pioneering, enterprising family, Dr. Burgess was most influenced by his aunt who practiced medicine as a rural doctor.
After graduating from the University of Utah, he entered Columbia University Medical School and graduated in 1937.
Dr. Burgess first became interested in the rehabilitation of amputees while serving in the Pacific theater during WWII.
In 1944, he was appointed Chief of Surgery at Tripler Hospital in Honolulu.
In 1948 he began a private orthopedic surgery practice in Seattle. In the next 30 years Dr. Burgess pioneered hip replacement surgery, new techniques in amputation surgery and became the mentor to generations of orthopedic surgery residents.
The Researcher
Dr. Burgess introduced the long posterior flap amputation technique to the USA following an academic exchange tour of Poland. This technique dramatically improved circulation in the residual limb and allowed many amputees to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
In 1964, during his distinguished career as a surgeon, the United States Veterans Administration asked Dr. Burgess to establish Prosthetics Research Study (PRS). PRS has become one of the leading centers in the world for developing post-operative care that directly improves the rehabilitation of the amputee. The following is a short list of technology and innovations developed at PRS under the leadership of Dr. Burgess:
Immediate post-operative fitting (IPOP) of a prosthesis improved healing and rehabilitation time considerably. The Seattle Foot ®, which has an internal spring, opened the door for amputees seeking an active lifestyle. "Compliant feet" based on this model have also improved comfort for amputees of all ages.
Always the visionary, Dr. Burgess foresaw the impact that the computer could have on the prosthetics profession. Seattle ShapeMaker ® software and the AFMA techniques have improved accuracy, efficiency and consistency in the design and production of prostheses.
In 1994, an Endowed Burgess Chair was established at the University of Washington Medical School to fund orthopedic research.
The Humanitarian
Over many years, Dr. Burgess has given generously of his expertise, his time and his personal financial resources to aid amputees.
American veteran amputees who had returned to Vietnam pleaded with Dr. Burgess to help the thousands of Vietnamese men, women and children in need of a prosthesis. In 1988, with the assistance of volunteers, POF began the planning for a demonstration clinic in Vietnam. The Prosthetics Outreach Center (POC) opened in 1991 to provide free limbs to those amputees in desperate need. To date, thousands of amputees have received a new prosthesis free of charge.
Awards
Dr Burgess has been honored around the world for his dedication to improving the lives of amputees:
1984-United States Presidential Design Award
1985-Veterans Administration, Olin E. Teague Award
1991-Honarary Doctor of Humanities degree, Southern Utah University
1993-Bridge of Peace Award, East Meets West Foundation
1997-International Humanitarian Award, Seattle Rotary Club
1998-Medal of Honor, Ministry of Labour Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam
2000-United States Senate Resolution 278
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Dr. Ernest Burgess
1911-2000
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