James A. Deweese, M.D.

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James Arville DeWeese was born in Kent, Ohio on April 5, 1925 to what became a family of doctors. His father and two older brothers were doctors and his sister married a surgeon. So the decision to become a doctor was not a difficult one to make. He was to say later: 'there was never any question in my mind about what I was going to do.' He went on to attend Harvard College and graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1949, and launched a career paralleled by very few for intensity and duration of involvement in clinical practice and research, and more importantly, education and training of the future generations of surgeons.

Dr. DeWeese was recruited to be a member of the faculty in the Department of Surgery at the University of Rochester in 1954. Having shown an aptitude for research, early in his career, Dr. DeWeese was named Director of Research Laboratory in the Department of Surgery. In addition to research, Dr. DeWeese pursued a vigorous clinical practice, with great attention given to peripheral vascular surgery. As a result of his clinical and research activities, the reputation and effectiveness of peripheral vascular surgery grew tremendously. This all made it possible for Dr. DeWeese and his colleagues to establish formal training programs in vascular and cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Rochester in 1969.

Dr. DeWeese continued his mentorship of residents with research on neointimal hyperplasia and factors influencing prosthetic graft patency. Dr. DeWeese pioneered several procedures and created devices that advanced the practice of vascular surgery. Of note, is the famous Adams-DeWeese Clip which he developed with one of his long time colleagues, Dr. James Adams.

Dr. James DeWeese has dedicated his life to resident education and is one who embodies the rich surgical heritage of the University of Rochester. Dr. DeWeese represents cardiovascular surgery to many who followed him, and although the specialty has evolved considerably since its formative years, pioneers like Dr. DeWeese carry with them the triumphs and tragedies of that exciting era. Dr. DeWeese is a charismatic individual characterized by determination, precision and passion for his chosen field. His contributions to the surgical literature include 288 journal articles, two books and 100 chapters, and more importantly, he has passed on to each resident with whom he has worked the necessity for honesty in reporting, accuracy of data, and precision of language and technique. Throughout his career, Dr. DeWeese has maintained an active role, often in leadership positions, in numerous professional organizations.

After a distinguished dynamic surgical career spanning 41 years (1954-1995 as faculty at URMC), Dr. DeWeese continues his active involvement in the educational efforts of the Department of Surgery, with particular attention focused on cardiothoracic and vascular surgery training programs. This year, the Department of Surgery celebrates over 52 years of giving by Dr. James Arville DeWeese.

Current Appointments

• Professor Emeritus - Department of Surgery (SMD)

Education
MD Medicine	Univ Rochester Sch Med/Dent	1949