October 2002
Volume 66 |
Number 10
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SPOTLIGHT ON…
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Daniel W. Platt, M.D.: "The
Type of Physician of Which Legends Are Made"
Michella M. Stiles,
M.D.
Committee on Communications
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Dr. Daniel W. Platt, M.D.
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The retirement of Daniel W. Platt, M.D., had a ripple effect
in the community of Alton, Illinois, located near St. Louis,
Missouri. He was the doctor we all wanted to be in medical
school. How often is an anesthesiologist credited with making
a difference? His infectious passion for medicine raised
the gold standard throughout Alton Memorial Hospital (AMH).
On a rainy day in April 2002, more than 300 residents of
the community, former patients and media personnel attended
the tribute to Dr. Platt. Before his retirement this year,
he dedicated 48 years of his life to ensuring that patients
at AMH received the highest quality of care. The hospital
honored him by rededicating the surgical/emergency building
as the Daniel W. Platt Building. A bronze plaque and a bust
of Dr. Platt was placed adjacent to the hospital's main
lobby.
Not long after arriving at AMH, first as a visitor who
happened by on vacation, Dr. Platt became a significant
driving force in state-of-the-art medicine and anesthesiology.
According to Paul Lauschke, chair of both the hospital's
board of directors and foundation, "Nobody has done
as much for the hospital as Dr. Platt. He has been the leading
force that set the pace for all surgical procedures at Alton
Memorial." Carol Noble, R.N., described Dr. Platt as
the consummate caring physician with a vast knowledge in
his specialty as well as medicine in general. Dr. Platt
also garnered the respect of his surgical colleagues who
were well aware that he kept abreast of the many innovations
and scientific advances reported in the anesthesia literature
as well as other advancements in patient care. Edward Cornell,
M.D., stated, "I've never seen anybody in his field
come close to his interest in the overall care of the patient,
not only during the anesthetic, but before and after as
well." His ability to anticipate and solve critical
problems was duly noted by his colleagues, Dr. Cornell said.
Patient welfare was his number-one priority. Along with
the respect medical professionals had for the doctor, patients
also were well aware of his skill and caring manner. They
would request him by name and cancel surgery if he was not
available.
Dr. Platt's accomplishments at AMH are numerous, and he
leaves a rich legacy.
In 1955, he replaced ether anesthetics for tonsillectomies
with general endotracheal anesthesia. In the spring of that
year, he opened one of the first recovery rooms in the St.
Louis area to further monitor postoperative patients and
improve their care. His advancements outside of the operating
room were likewise legendary. He introduced and taught the
new concept of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the AMH
medical staff.
Obstetrical patients also benefited from Dr. Platt's medical
expertise. He introduced caudal anesthesia instead of spinal
for laboring patients in Alton.
He opened one of the first coronary care rooms at AMH;
Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, was the only other
hospital with a similar concept.
AMH received its first heart monitor as a gift from the
American Heart Association, thanks to Dr. Platt. This monitor
served several functions – internal pacemaker, monitor
and defibrillator. Dr. Platt performed the first cardioversions
at AMH.
The White House also apparently recognized Dr. Platt's
abilities as exceptional as they asked him to "stand
by" during President Gerald Ford's visit to Alton.
In the mid-1980s, Dr. Platt opened Alton's first ambulatory
surgical center.
Dr. Platt served in several administrative and teaching
capacities as well. In the 1970s, he was chief of staff
at AMH, instructor of anesthesiology at Washington University
and adjunct clinical professor of anesthesiology at Southern
Illinois University School of Dentistry. For several years,
he ran various anesthesiology departments, including St.
Joseph's Hospital (St. Claire's) and St. Anthony's Health
Center in addition to AMH.
Perhaps what was most striking about Dr. Platt's career
was his ability to invoke the respect and admiration of
all who worked with him. Hospital administrators, surgeons
and nurses all have commented on his professionalism, dedication
and humanity.
This bigger-than-life person also was devoted to his family.
Multiple newspaper clippings covering Dr. Platt's retirement
were submitted by his daughter. Without a doubt, Dr. Platt
had the respect, love and admiration of his family. Dr.
Cornell probably said it best when he said, "He's simply
the finest doctor and finest man I've ever known."
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Michella
M. Stiles, M.D., is Staff Anesthesiologist at Menorah
Medical Center, Leawood, Kansas. |
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