In Memoriam: Paul H. Ward MD

by Robert H. Miller, MD •

Some may find my version of Paul’s obituary to be a bit casual, not extolling his many official, professional accomplishments in a more traditional format. However, having known Paul for so many years, I know he would prefer a more lighthearted and irreverent approach. His patients, the specialty, and his trainees will miss him. He truly made this place a better world. And he had a lot of fun doing it.

Paul Ward Quotes

  • “Don’t trust your mother” [read every imaging study and histopathology slide yourself].
  • “One big cut—all those little cuts bleed.”
  • “Radical early, conservative late” [when treating head and neck malignancies].
  • “A good surgeon can operate with a knife and fork.”
  • “If you see a pile of brown, stinky stuff [not Paul’s exact term], don’t kick it.”
  • “If you haven’t seen this complication, you haven’t done enough surgery.”
  • “The patient is always right.”
  • “It is better to choose your tumor than your doctor.”
  • “Don’t major in minors.”