I lost a friend last night. A good friend from the world of plastic surgery. This morning, November 15, 2016, word arrived that Mike has passed away. I immediately began to reflect on his life and the great things he did in plastic surgery.
You could not ask to find a nicer person in life or in plastic surgery than Mike. I like to believe it’s because Mike was from St. Louis and always described his Midwestern roots as being his foundation. Mike moved to Southern California many years ago, serving as a clinical professor at both USC and UCLA where he trained many of the leaders in plastic surgery. He rose through the leadership of The American Society of Plastic Surgery and that’s where I first met Mike. He was on his way up the ladder to eventually become President of our society but he still had time to meet with a young plastic surgeon who also came from St. Louis. He was just as interested to listen to my thoughts as he was the most well-known plastic surgeons in the world. He was always soft-spoken but when he spoke, his words carried weight. He also had a vision, a vision that plastic surgery was more than just what occurred in the United States but what was happening around the world. Mike initiated the International program at ASPS leading to the sharing of ideas and techniques not just inside the US but around the globe. A great benefit to patients everywhere.
I last saw Mike about a year ago and he was just as gracious and kind as ever. I will miss him. His small smile and bright eyes. He was a leader is supposed to be and I am glad I was fortunate enough to have met him. Rest easy my friend. You have earned it.
Herluf Lund Jr., M.D.
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