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were all busier than the last.
The idea spread like wild fire. From such humble beginnings sprang one focused factory after another. At last count, 44 years later, there were 5,357 Medicare-certified ambulatory surgery centers in the United States performing millions of procedures each year. Hospitals, too, took the baton from Dr. Reed, creating efficient same-day surgical units within their walls and eliminating hospital stays for routine procedures whenever possible.
Outpatient surgery's founding father passed away last month at his
home in Phoenix, Ariz. He was 97, a true visionary who leaves behind quite a legacy.
How will you honor it?
Like Dr. Reed, you can promote outpatient surgery as a critically important component of the nation's healthcare system.
You can commit every day in every way to providing the best possible patient care.
You can recruit and develop a great surgical team.
You can walk with pride in your stride in knowing that you're part of such a vibrant industry.
As for us, we here at the magazine join you in saluting Dr. Reed for showing the world a better way. Thank you, Dr. Reed. That's a beautiful mousetrap you built.
