The American Laryngological Association lost a young, dynamic member on August 26, 1997, with the death of Gerald S. Gussack, MD, from complications of a brain tumor. He was 43 years of age. Death comes to all, but when someone so young is struck down, it is particularly tragic. It is even more tragic when that someone was as productive and as full of potential as Gerald.

Gerald, the son of a physician, was an honor graduate of Tulane and received his MD from the University of Georgia. We at Duke were fortunate when Gerald accepted a residency position. Early on, it became obvious that he was someone special. He was smart, articulate, and innovative. He rapidly developed superior clinical and technical skills. His outgoing personality and informality created friendships and respect.

On a personal note, when Gerald was a senior resident, he went with me to England to the University of Bristol. His presentations and discussions were impressive and well received by our hosts. On the way to Bristol, Gerald had to drive by the stadium in Twickingham, home of rugby, one of his great loves. Traveling with him helped create a bond between us that grew stronger over the years.

In 1984, immediately out of residency, Gerald accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Surgery and Chief of Otolaryngology at the University of South Alabama. His enthusiasm and teaching skill soon attracted a number of students to our specialty. Gerald was frustrated by the lackof a training program and the difficulty in establishing a new program. In 1988, John Tumer made me aware of the opening at Emory University, and I strongly encouraged Gerald to accept. His tenure at Emory as a clinician, teacher, researcher, and writer was most productive. At the time of his death, Gerald was Chief of Head and Neck Surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital, Director of Resident Education, and Interim Chairman of Otolaryngology.

During his abbreviated career, Gerald published over 40 papers. He received many honors and awards and was a member of the appropriate professional organizations, including the American Laryngological Association, the Triological Society, and the American Broncho-Esophagological Association.

He was an avid sportsman, and enjoyed golf, cycling, running, and hiking. Long a supporter of Bike Rides Across Georgia, he was recently honored with the establishment of The Gerald Gussack BRAG Dream Team Ride.

His loss is sorely felt by his family, especially his lovely wife, Lynn, his daughter, Cecile, and his son, Graham. His loss is felt by his friends and colleagues at Emory, at Duke, and throughout our specialty. We honor his life as a loving father and husband, a dedicated clinical and research physician, and a dear friend to all who knew him.

W.R.H.