A note of respect

Surgical Neurology was founded by Dr Paul Bucy in 1973. Dr Bucy was the long-time Editor of the Journal of Neurosurgery and, after some differences with the AANS, sought to begin an independent journal. Dr Bucy was a stout man who had a booming voice and was an eloquent speaker. He was worldly and played an important role in the development of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. He was very controversial because he was innovative, creative, and an independent thinker. His peers were people who have made a huge impact on neurology and neurosurgery—Percival Bailey and A. Earl Walker, among others. He was well-read and was part of a regular “salon,” or meeting of educated people from all disciplines outside of medicine, so he was broadly educated. He broke with tradition in writing Editorials in Surgical Neurology that discussed controversial topics. He exhorted neurosurgeons to think of new ideas and questioned the practices that were widely adopted but that did not make sense. He was not elected to any leadership position in neurosurgery, most likely because he was willing to say what he believed and not be a part of the “neuropolitical” game. To me he was an inspiring person who affected my life particularly as Editor of the journal he founded. He was Editor of Surgical Neurology from 1973 to 1985.

I had the privilege of having many mentors in neurosurgery and medicine, but, to me, Eben Alexander, Jr, stands out as a gentleman. He was elected to all the major leadership positions in neurosurgery, not because he agreed with everyone, but because he was able to tell you how he disagreed with you in such a nice way that you could not be upset with him. He was a fine human being, a kind person, and a role model for any physician or neurosurgeon. He was a dedicated academician, had done research, and had wide clinical experience. He was always a humble man, regardless of his accomplishments. He had a lovely wife and a wonderful family. He was Editor of Surgical Neurology from 1986 to 1993. To him I owe the gratitude of becoming the third Editor of Surgical Neurology.

These 2 men had a huge influence on neurosurgery, medicine, and me—and to them we all owe a debt of gratitude.