In Memoriam: Robert A. Sofferman, MD

Bob Sofferman passed away on October 14, 2015. Bob was a well-respected head and neck surgeon who was an excellent teacher and motivator. He was probably the preeminent practitioner of ultrasound in the head and neck, and he shared his experience and knowledge in courses at the American College of Surgeons and elsewhere even after his retirement from clinical practice.

There have been and will be many tributes to Bob and what he meant to the specialty, his patients, and his students. My initial exposure to Bob was primarily at professional meetings, where he was always so very positive and friendly to all. However, I got to know Bob much better and in a different realm on an African photographic safari with a group of otolaryngologists in 2007.

I have always had a strong interest in photography but was unaware of Bob’s passion for the art form until the Africa trip. Bob had a focus on (no pun intended) and an eye for his shots that produced spectacular wildlife photographs that easily could have been published in National Geographic. His picture of a duck floating serenely on still water is typical of his technical and artistic talent. As with everything else in his life, he was happy to share his knowledge and experience (both of which were prodigious) with others, including me. Bob was always available for advice and critiques that were very helpful in improving my photographic skills.

Bob and Charlie Cummings produced a book with Bob’s pictures and Charlie’s poetry that is a great demonstration of both of their talents. I recommend it highly. —Robert H. Miller, MD, MBA