October 20, 2006

In memoriam: Hermes C. Grillo, MD

Hermes C. Grillo, MD, a world-renowned thoracic surgeon and beloved member of the MGH community, died Oct. 14 at the age of 83. A pioneer in his field, Grillo is widely considered to be the father of modern tracheal surgery, and his 2004 textbook, Surgery of the Trachea and Bronchi, is thought by many to be the authoritative work in the field. Grillo's practice was built upon caring for some of the most critically ill of patients, and he saved the lives of many whom no other surgeon could help. Many of the revolutionary surgical techniques he developed during his career at the hospital are an integral part of the reason that the MGH today enjoys a reputation as a world-renowned center for thoracic surgery.

As a dedicated educator, Grillo inspired generations of medical students with his expert guidance, wisdom, experience and enthusiasm. In 2002, the Hermes C. Grillo Professorship in Thoracic Surgery at the MGH and Harvard Medical School (HMS) was established. Douglas Mathisen, MD, who succeeded Grillo as chief of the MGH Division of Thoracic Surgery, was named its first incumbent.

"Dr. Grillo was my inspiration to pursue a career in thoracic surgery," says Mathisen. "He was my mentor, colleague and a great friend. People traveled from around the world to talk with him for just a few hours of one day, and I got to do that every working day for more than 25 years. He was so much more than just a great surgeon. He will be truly missed by us all."

Adds Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, surgeon-in-chief, "Dr. Grillo was a leader at the MGH for nearly 60 years. He was a mentor to those who shared his interest in the surgery of the airway and a devoted teacher who continued to participate in and contribute to surgical education. His interest in history enlightened his message to all of us. Above all, he was our friend and he will be greatly missed."

Grillo joined the MGH in 1947 after receiving his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Brown University and his medical degree from HMS. He began his training in general and thoracic surgery and then joined the Navy, serving with the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War. Following a year at a naval hospital in New York, he returned to Boston, where he completed his training and joined the staff of the MGH. In 1969, he was appointed the first chief of the MGH Division of Thoracic Surgery, a position he held until 1994. He also was a professor of Surgery at HMS.