University of Michigan Medical and Nursing School - Aequanimitas Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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uProject yourself into the seat ofa student or patient and try to think as they are think- ingfi It is this style of philosophical apoth- egm which has gained for Dr. Ritter the recognition of the student body. He is known as a capable lecturer who is able to take his speciality field and present it in a clear, concise fashion with a touch of refreshing, practical, home spun humor that makes the most difficult information not only easy, but more importantly, enjoyable to assimilate. This straightforward approach to educa- tion is perhaps a development of the close friendship he had with his uncle, Joseph Cardinal Ritter, the Archbishop of St. Louis Cnow deceasedl. From the Cardinal, Dr. Ritter gained a great deal of humor and spiritual and intellectual enlightenment. He was also good friends with Dr. Tom Dooley, a fellow student, who dedicated his life to missionary medicine in Southeast Asia. It is from these men, perhaps, that he derived the desirous qualities of tolerance and compata- bility with his fellow man and the efferves- cent friendliness that seldom fades. 28 FRANK N. RITTER These are the qualities which make any student feel at ease when talking with him. There is no sign of condescension or impa- tient intolerance when he talks to you. He gives his frank opinion on problems of medi- cal education or your future in medicine. He is always willing to listen to student com- plaints, and is flexible and open minded enough to execute immediate change to legi- timate gripes.

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Dr. Kraft thinks that the most difficult thing about teaching is finding the time to get the doctor and students together. Time is the most important commodity a doctor has. Everyone wants a piece of your time, but the good teacher must always find the time to devote to his students. believes Dr. Kraft. There have been three men in Dr. Kraft's career who he thinks are outstanding teach- ers and who have made contributions to his philosophy of teaching and medicine. Natu- rally all three are surgeons and all have been affiliated with the University of Michi- gan Medical Center. They are Drs. William DeVVeese, VVilliam Fry, and George E. Block. Says Dr. Kraft of these men: I have learned much from each, and I have extracted from each a bit of philosophy to build my own. This then is Richard O. Kraft. NI.lJ,. dynamic teacher. general surgeon and friend. We are proud to stand at his side and be called students: we are proud to look upon him and call him teacher. Ajay llarnexx ww, ,si-Sw. Qi, it 'C

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, W Dr. Ritter is one who recognizes the medical students and imitates a cheerful 'fHello Doctor when he sees you in the halls of the hospital and street. His friendli- ness and eagerness to work with medical students is exemplified by the active role he plays as Prefect of the Galens Honorary Medical Society. He endears the friendship of medical students and these friendships strenghten his understanding of students and their thinking, and their expectations from the staff. Dr. Ritter trained in ENT at the University of Michigan. His mentor was Dr. A.C. Furstenburg, Chairman of the Department of ENT and Dean of our medi- cal school. Dr. Ritter is often known to quote Dr. Furstenburg's aphorismsg he states that these have also provided him with the direction and spirit that have led him to the position he is in today, that of clinician and researcher. Dr. Ritter has given me the following list of Dr. Fursten- burg's adages that we might also use them in good stead. Nothing like hard work lo give a fel- low good hol-housegrowlh. Don 'l look from side to side but fJCU.f on whalfs' in front of you. Ifyou're busy enough with your own work, you w0n'l he .to concerned with how much your competitor hai accomplished. Don? he concerned with whether students seern lo rexpond or not. fusl teach them. Once a man ls' won his spurs, give him his head. It is his drive to achieve excellence in teaching tempered by humor and friendli- ness which we remember. We should incor- porate this example into our own attitudes, so that in the future we may also have the rapport with students which is so character- istic of Dr. Ritter. gllflike johns Frank N. Ritter Born 1928 B.S., Notre Dame University M.l-J., St. Louis University Medical School Intern at St. kIoseph's, Toledo, Ohio Residency at University Hospital, Ann Arbor Galens Shovel, Senior Award 29