Temple University School of Medicine - Skull Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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IN MEMORIAM HUGO ROESLER, M.D., F. A. C. P. Dr. Hugo Roesler died suddenly on April 26, 1961, at the age of sixty-two. Thus ended almost thirty years of fruitful association with Temple University Medical Center as radiologist, cardiologist, and associate professor of medicine. He left an indelible imprint as a preceptor, scholar, philosopher, physician, investigator, and a friend of the finest sort - a versatile combination unfortunately rare in the medical profession today. Because of his remarkable multi-faceted character one can view Dr. Roesler from many aspects. Students and residents will remember him as a teacher of first rank. Not the classroom lecturer in the usual sense, his forte was teaching in the preceptor manner. His love of philosophy paralleled his medical interests. A philosopher in his own right, “bon mots” and keen aphorisms were a high part of his conversation. Although Dr. Roesler was a perfectionist in his work and an investigator of the highest integrity, he frequently evinced a healthy skepticism in regard to many medical matters that was a delight and a stimulus to those who worked with him. A pioneer in x-ray studies of the cardio-vascular system and in electrocardiography, he was the author of many articles and three books: An Atlas of Congenital Heart Disease, Clinical Roentgenology of the Cardio-eascular System, and An Atlas of Electrocardiography (with Dr. William Dressier). His reputation far exceeded the bounds of Philadelphia: it was of international stature. . Dr. Roesler was skilled in the art of medicine at the bedside. A devotee of the comprehensive approach, he never separated the | erson from the disease. Warmth, understanding, compassion and wise counsel were as much a part of his armamentarium as the stethoscope, flouroscope, and electrocardiograph. A colorful ligure, talented pi vsician. and benign cynic, Hugo Roesler was an unforgettable person. A gentleman in the best sense of the word, he never lost the gracious continental manner of his background. Dr. Roesler was truly a figure against the sky. 8

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lander's Arthritis, and writes editorials for various medical periodicals. He is investigating basic factors in causation of the arthritic state and has developed a system for objective evaluation of therapeutic results in rheumatoid arthritis. When not engaged in these or other scientific pursuits, he can be found with his charming wife. Louise, and their three children, John. Roger, and Anne. His principal literary pastime is reading various anthropological and philosophical works and, in addition, he can occasionally be found working on pen and ink sketches - a throwback to his cartoonist days. We gratefully dedicate our Skull to Or. John Lansbury - able clinician, inquiring researcher, capable teacher, and. above all, sincere friend to patient and student alike. We who are about to embark on a life-long course in the field of medicine would do well to emulate the many fine qualities of this man. 7

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IN MEMORIAM WILLIAM A. STEEL M.D.. F.A.C.S. Dr. William A. Steel, Emeritus Professor of Surgery died at his home on December 31, 1961, at the age of 88. “Pappy Steel, as he was affectionately known throughout the Temple family, received his B.S. and M I), degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, the latter in 1899. After an internship at Episcopal Hospital, he came to the Samaritan Hospital, with Dr. W. Wayne Babcock, in the year 1903. Together they built a brilliant department of surge in affiliated with the embryonic medical school of Temple University. Both he and Dr. Babcock became Professors Emeritus in 1944. Dr. Steel, who did pioneer work irr blood vessel repair, especially aneurysms, was a founder of the American College of Surgeons in 1913, and a pioneer member of the American Association of Anesthesiologists soon thereafter. He published numerous articles and contributed to Babcock's Principals and Practice of Surgery. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery in 1937. A full-length portrait of Dr. Steel, painted by Frank B. A. Linton, and presented by the medical classes of 1938 and 1939, hangs in the Medical School Auditorium. Following his retirement from Temple. Dr. Steel maintained his Philadelphia office at 3300 North Broad Street and also served as Chief Surgeon at St. Mary’s Hospital. In addition, he was Chief of Staff at the Surf Hospital in Sea Isle City, N. J. and Consultant to the Cape May County X. J. Board of Health. Dr Steel is survived bv his son and his nephews. Dr. Howard H. Steel, of the Orthopedic staff of Temple and Dr. Paul H. Steel, a surgeon in Atlantic City. N. J. 9 wfr -1