Winter 2000 Newsletter

On behalf of everyone in ISAKOS, this message is published shortly after the untimely death of Dr. Richard Caspari.

"Hey, Dick. Dick Caspari. Wake up, boy. Look alive. This world is full of exciting things. Eat it up. Grow. Flex. Make friends, lots of them. You seem like a rambunctious kid.

"Ah, high school. Whaddya think? A few sports, girls, maybe some time in the books ­ but only if you have to. College is coming, you know.

"How about the University of Florida? Better there than Alabama, where you were born. Better social life, too, you say? Go ahead; maybe ride your motorcycle up the stairs in the fraternity house. Can't really get into big trouble here. Hey, you could finish this place early, you know ­ maybe three years instead of four. Pretty good grades will help you get into medical school, too. And notice Judy. Keep on noticing Judy. She's crazy about you, you know. Good looking, too. Marriage? Nice choice!

"Now this medical school is a drag, but you'll be OK if you study just a little. Have to challenge you a bit, finally. You're so mechanically inclined, though. How about orthopaedics? Move to St. Louis. Learn the skills there you will use throughout your career. Fred Reynolds will train you superbly, although I know you will soon become impatient with orthopaedic techniques after you begin practice in Richmond.

"Never mind that. You can always revise or devise new techniques. You are quite imaginative and clever about doing things. Besides, impatience has characterized you a long time now. And your hands are very dextrous; you'll be a marvelous surgeon. Help people, Richard. Help hundreds of people. Thousands. Help patients you find in Virginia, and those more famous souls from around the country and throughout the world who will eventually seek you out.

"Think, Dick. Don't ever stop thinking. You do that so well, so clearly. Think how medicine and orthopaedics can be practiced faster, more efficiently, more effectively, for more people. How can medicine be practiced better?

"Think. You can even teach other surgeons. You have a gift for teaching, you know. You're actually rather inspirational. You'll have to do some research, though, I mean so you can figure out new approaches, innovative solutions to old orthopaedic problems.

"How about arthroscopy? That's a new concept in orthopaedics. Develop those skills. No one else has tried arthroscopy in Virginia yet. I bet you could get pretty good at that. Facile. Maybe even develop a reputation for arthroscopic surgery. Maybe an international reputation. Maybe you would even treat famous people with your arthroscopic skills ­ like professional athletes, television commentators, Olympic gold athletes.

"And the research? You could help establish a research and education foundation as an extension of your practice. You could even establish a post-residency fellowship training program to teach young surgeons the newest and latest. You so love to teach. Never be discouraged. If you see a need for different or unique instruments for surgery, invent them. Get the patents. Use them with confidence; then publish your experience ­ journal articles, textbook chapters, videotapes. You will be recognized and welcomed all around the world. And don't forget Judy. She will stand by you always and explore the world with you.

"Now those two beautiful girls, Kelley and Robin. They may confuse you at times but they have many things to teach you. Aren't you proud of them?

"As capable, as insightful and as persuasive as you are, you must also join these professional organizations. Work hard for their betterment in society at all times. Become an officer, their president if need be. Lead them by your example. Encourage your medical peers to embrace ideas they have never imagined possible.

"You know you'll pick up some credible business skills with all this ­ how to organize, how to recruit valuable team members, how to look into the future with confidence. Work with and within the business industry ­ manufacturing, distribution, catalogue sales, life-enriching tissue transplants. The business skills are all the same. You can even start a new business yourself. Start several. But be attentive. Think every move through thoroughly. Be successful, but be wise.

"Now you must also play. Play hard. 'All work and no play.' 'Man cannot live by bread alone.' All that stuff. Improve your sailing skills. Learn to navigate by the stars. Buy a boat! Maybe some day you can even sail 'round the world. Take Judy. Visit some exotic, some exciting, some beautiful places. How can you afford that? Make it a business. When you're not sailing the boat, charter it. You have no idea how many people you'll get to know.

"So sail, ski, rock climb, bike, fly! Hey, there's an idea ­ fly! Excitement, adventure, challenge, precision, mechanics. And it all fits ­ you know that helicopter your friend showed you? Get from place to place on your own schedule. Beat the highway speed limits. Fly helicopters! Hey, now there's another business. Charter the helicopter when you aren't flying it yourself. Help other people get from place to place on their schedule, fast. Great idea. Want more? Get a fixed-wing license. Join some flying friends and buy a jet! OK, you get the point.

"Now enjoy all that. You deserve it, of course. Work, play, family, friends, medicine, business but oops, look, time's up. I guess they say nothing lasts forever. But you've done quite a lot in just 57 years. And you've been an incredible steward. Generous with time and talents and resources. That's good, Dick. But now, regrettably, it's time to go. Take this last opportunity, though, to teach once again ­ with your final act, teach the most difficult of all lessons. Demonstrate to everyone that life on this planet is fragile, and that it is held sometimes with a very slippery grip.

"C'mon now, son. Come with Me."