Lamar Soutter

Lamar Soutter

Name	Lamar Soutter
Birth name
Birth date	(1919-12-07)December 7, 1919
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Death date	June 22, 1996(1996-06-22) (aged 76)
Death place	Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Educator
Years active
Organization
Known for	Founding Dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Lamar Soutter (December 7, 1919 – June 22, 1996) was a pioneering American physician and educator, best known for being the founding dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His contributions to medical education and healthcare have left a lasting impact on the field.

Early Life and Education

Lamar Soutter was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a family with a strong medical background. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where he developed a keen interest in medicine. He went on to attend Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1943.

Medical Career

After completing his medical degree, Soutter served in the United States Army Medical Corps during World War II. His experiences during the war, particularly in the field of surgery, shaped his future career in medicine.

Upon returning to civilian life, Soutter completed his residency in surgery at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. He became known for his innovative approaches to surgical techniques and his dedication to patient care.

Founding of the University of Massachusetts Medical School

In the 1960s, the state of Massachusetts recognized the need for a public medical school to address the shortage of physicians in the region. Lamar Soutter was appointed as the founding dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1962.

Under his leadership, the medical school was established in Worcester, Massachusetts, and it opened its doors to its first class of students in 1970. Soutter's vision was to create a medical school that emphasized primary care and community health, which was reflected in the school's curriculum and mission.

Contributions to Medical Education

Soutter was a strong advocate for integrating clinical experience with academic learning. He believed that medical students should be exposed to patient care early in their education. This approach has since become a standard in medical education.

He also emphasized the importance of research and innovation in medicine. Under his guidance, the University of Massachusetts Medical School developed strong research programs that have contributed significantly to medical science.

Legacy

Lamar Soutter's legacy is evident in the continued success and growth of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The Lamar Soutter Library, named in his honor, serves as a resource for medical students, faculty, and researchers.

His contributions to medical education have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, and he is remembered as a visionary leader in the field.

Also see

• University of Massachusetts Medical School
• Medical education in the United States
• History of medical education
• Primary care