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“He took
himself out of himself, and reached out toward humanity.”
A Philadelphia
Daily News (January 9, 2009) column reflects on the death
of Trauma Program Director John Pryor, MD. (PDF) |
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John
P. Pryor, M.D. 1966-2008 |
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JP Tribute web
site
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 PENN
Medicine has lost a good friend and dear colleague with the death
of John “JP” Pryor. Dr. Pryor was working in Iraq as an
Army trauma surgeon when he was felled by enemy fire on Christmas
Day. John was an exceptional human being who truly lived his values
everyday. He felt a special obligation to use his skills to help those
serving our country and the many innocent victims of war. Sadly, this
admirable trait put him in harm’s way one last time.
As we seek to find meaning in this
terrible tragedy, we must take some comfort in knowing that John
always gave his very best. From saving lives in our trauma bays,
to fighting violence in West Philadelphia, to garnering the attention
of policymakers on important matters, he never waivered in his desire
to bring his mighty skills to bear on the most difficult problems
of our world. A deeply thoughtful man, John wrote eloquently about
what he saw and felt as a trauma surgeon and his words will live
on for those of us left to follow his example of compassion and
excellence.
We will remember and celebrate John’s
amazing life later in the New Year. |
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| On December
25, 2008, upon hearing of the sudden passing of Dr. John Pryor, the
Department of Pastoral Care lit a candle in the chapel
in his honor. In addition, a guest book was placed out for people
to write notes in remembrance of John. The book will be available
in the chapel until January 9, 2009 should anyone
like to add a message. The Division of Trauma & SCC will deliver
the book to Dr. Pryor’s family. |
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Dr. John Pryor Laid to Rest
Trauma Program Director John Pryor, MD, who was
killed Christmas Day while serving his second tour as an
Army combat surgeon in Iraq, was laid to rest in Cherry
Hill, NJ, on Monday, January 5, 2009 following a service
attended by more than 1,000 mourners at the Cathedral Basilica
of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. “Somehow,
he found it impossible to rest on his laurels,” said
Father Damian McElroy, of Pryor’s home church, Our
Lady of Good Counsel in Moorestown, during his funeral.
“He wanted to do more, to be more – to be an
example. Personally, professionally, better doctor, a better
father.” The service was covered in the Philadelphia
Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily
News, by the Associated
Press, and the (Cherry Hill) Courier
Post, on WHYY Radio, as well as on TV stations including
ABC6, NBC10, CBS3, and FOX29 and network news affiliates
in cities around the country. (Radio/TV)
(Intelligencer)
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The
Fund for Dr. John Pryor has been established to help
his wife Carmela
and their 3 small children.
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Donations
can be made as follows:
UPHS- Dr. John Pryor Fund
Suite 750
3535 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3309 |
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| It is with profound
sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss that we send this communication.
Last evening we were notified that Major John Pryor was killed by
enemy fire in Iraq. John was serving his second tour as a combat surgeon
with the United States Army. He deployed on December 6th and had been
on location with a forward surgical team. John
came to the University of Pennsylvania in 1999 after completing
his surgical training at the State University of New York in Buffalo.
After his Fellowship in trauma surgery and critical care he joined
the faculty of the Department of Surgery and currently was serving
as the Trauma Program Director for the Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania.
“JP” was a magical man, with boundless
energy and goodness. He as was a devoted son, husband, father, colleague
and friend. He was an outstanding physician, gifted surgeon, teacher
and mentor. At his core were many great values but his passion for
service to others and gave back something to each and everyone of
us, everyday. His favorite quote, by Albert Schweitzer, hangs in
his office and it captures the essence of John Pryor.
“…. Seek always to
do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to
realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man.
Even if it’s a little thing, do something for those who need
help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing
it. For remember, you don’t lie in a world all your own. Your
brothers are here, too.”
John’s sudden death while serving as
a physician on the battlefield, is a very personal loss for the
many of us who have worked side by side with him in our Emergency
Department, OR’s and ICU’s, and all the more stark coming
unexpectedly in this holiday season. All of us have lost one of
our “brothers”. Our thoughts are with his wife Carmella
Calvo, their three children and all the family.
We will pass on further information about
services and ways in which we can help the Pryor family as they
become available.
C. William Schwab MD
Chief, Division of Trauma and Critical Care
James Mullen MD
Interim Chair, Department of Surgery |
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