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May 1998
Volume 62 |
Number 5
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| Richard Ament,
M.D., 1919 - 1998: 'Leader, Mentor and Friend' |
Douglas R. Bacon, M.D.
The world of anesthesiology lost one of its great leaders on
March 19, 1998, when Richard Ament, M.D., died at the age of 79.
In a career that spanned over 50 years, Dr. Ament was one of the
leaders who helped develop the potential of anesthesiology across
the second half of the 20th century. He participated in the tremendous
growth of anesthesiology, serving as ASA President in 1977 and
watching the Society expand from 1,000 members to well over 30,000
today.
Dr. Ament was pivotal in helping the World Federation
of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) become established on
firm financial ground. Despite his enormous accomplishments, he
had time for each resident in "his" program at the State University
of New York at Buffalo, and he served as a career mentor for junior
faculty who sought his wise advice and counsel.
Richard Ament was born January 27, 1919, in New York City
and arrived in Buffalo, New York, as a young man. He completed
his secondary education in 1936 at Buffalo East High School and
matriculated at the University of Buffalo from 1936-1938. He was
accepted into the Medical School where he received his Medical
Doctorate in 1942. He interned at Buffalo General Hospital and
then was inducted into the United States Army Air Corp. Returning
to Western New York after World War II, Dr. Ament studied with
the renowned physiologist Hermann Rahn, M.D., at the University
of Rochester, studying respiratory physiology. He returned to
New York City the following year and began his residency with
the master educator and anesthesiologist, Emery Andrew Rovenstine,
M.D. He was among the first 900 physicians certified as specialists
in anesthesiology.
In 1949, Dr. Ament returned to Buffalo and began his career
at Buffalo General Hospital. He became interested in the fledgling
residency training program at Buffalo General, helping it to grow
over the years into a substantial teaching program. When the residency
programs at Erie County Medical Center and Buffalo General merged,
Dr. Ament assumed the role of Director of Educational Programs.
Eventually, he became Vice Chair for Education at the State University
of New York at Buffalo, Department of Anesthesiology, a position
he held at the time of his death.
Nationally, Dr. Ament served on almost every committee
of ASA during his years of service to the organization, including
his presidency in 1977. In 1985, he was awarded the ASA Distinguished
Service Award, the highest honor the Society can bestow upon an
individual. Dr. Ament was also President of the New York State
Society of Anesthesiologists (1967). Dr. Ament served as an examiner
for the American Board of Anesthesiology for 15 years. He was
both Treasurer and Secretary of the Council of Medical Specialty
Societies.
Dr. Ament was active in the WFSA, serving for 18 years
as a delegate from ASA. He was also secretary of the American
delegation. For eight years, Dr. Ament served as Treasurer of
WFSA.
Dr. Ament was very active in community service. He was
President of Temple Beth Zion, President of the Jewish Federation
of Buffalo, and at the time of his death, he was Chair of the
Weinberg/Menorah campus, an assisted-living/Nursing Home complex
in Amherst, New York. Finally, Dr. Ament served as a director
and officer of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, of which
he was Vice President at his death.
Dr. Ament is survived by his wife, Esther; four children,
a daughter and three sons; and two sisters. A memorial service
was held at Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo on April 19. Donations
in Dr. Ament's memory can be made to the Foundation for Jewish
Philanthropies, 787 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209.
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