George C. Lindesmith M.D.

George C. Lindesmith, MD - A Tribute

It is with great regret that we write to inform you that George Lindesmith passed away at home on January 7th, 2006 from complications related to a thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm.  George lived 77 active and highly productive years and is survived by his wife of 55 years Connie, his 3 children Francine, Lyle, and Kirk, and 8 grandchildren.

George was born in Grand Junction Colorado into a family of educators.  World War II brought the family to Henderson Nevada near Boulder Dam where George’s father worked at a newly established plant which was critical to the war effort.  It was while in his high school years that George met Connie who was attracted to this three sport athlete and  valedictorian (?).  The soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Lindesmith went on to attend the University of Nevada where George played football and continued to excel academically.

It was while in medical school at Northwestern that George developed an interest in Surgery, and he subsequently stayed in Chicago for training in General Surgery at Wesley Memorial Hospital and then Thoracic Surgery in the program based at Hines Hospital under the directorship of Hiram Langston.  His training was interrupted by military service from 1955 – 1957 where he served as a general medical officer and subsequently as a flight surgeon at Sampson Air Force Base.
Returning to the west George came to Los Angeles to complete his thoracic training and then join the prestigious practice established by John C. Jones at the Good Samaritan Hospital and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.  Cardiac surgery was in its infancy and George developed a special interest in surgery for congenital heart defects where he made major contributions particularly in treating children with transposition of the great arteries.  He authored more than 50 peer reviewed articles published in the major thoracic surgical journals, and was invited to write numerous chapters in surgical texts.  He was also on the Editorial Board of the highly respected Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery for a number of years.

In recognition of these accomplishments George was rapidly advanced to a clinical professorship at the University of Southern California, and he served as the chairman of the division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles for the 25 year period spanning from 1967 – 1992.
George’s leadership talents were recognized at more than the local level.  After chairing a number of major committees he was elected the 25th President of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the largest national organization of cardiothoracic surgery.  He also chaired the Council for Cardiovascular Surgery of the American Heart Association and was active in the American College of Surgeons eventually serving on its Executive Committee.

While his professional accomplishments were extensive most will remember George Lindesmith for his exceptional intellect, quick wit, and generosity.  He was a reader and was given a gift for retaining the most of what he read.  He would have ruled Jeopardy.  Whether it was world geography, the history of  any period but particularly Civil War, and WW II naval history, or any number of other topics.  George was a source of detailed knowledge.  The Lindesmiths were also well traveled, with a special interest in island destinations.  Chartered sailboats were often the platform for enjoying  time away from the hospital in keeping with George’s earlier interest and participation in competitive sailing.  He was also comfortable with a golf club, rifle, shotgun, or fly rod in his hands, all sports which he enjoyed with a number of his friends.

George Lindesmith will be dearly missed by his family, many friends, and professional colleagues, including those who learned the science and art of Thoracic Surgery under his direction.  The family has requested that any remembrance be sent to the George Lindesmith Memorial Fund at the Heart and Lung Surgery Foundation, an organization dedicated to research and education which he helped establish.

Donations can be sent to:
The George G. Lindesmith Medical Research Trust
C/o The Heart and Lung Surgery Foundation
4650 Sunset Boulevard
Mailstop # 66
Los Angeles, California 90027
Attn: Barbara Gross

by Winfield J. Wells M.D.