A Note from the Outgoing Historian

Mark and Marie-Louise, 2023

It has been my great honor and pleasure to have served as WTA Historian since 2016; and after seven years in a position with a five-year term, it is time for a transition. Past President David Livingston has agreed to carry on as the 5th WTA Historian and was so appointed by Immediate Past President Biffl at the 2023 Board Meeting. David has already indicated that he has several ideas to be explored moving forward, which indicates that the position will be in good hands, and will evolve as is healthy for any vital organization.

I am particularly proud of the work that the 50th Anniversary Committee accomplished leading to the publication in 2020 of the celebratory book “The Western Trauma Association at 50: Still About Trauma Care, Friendship, Family, and Snow.” As one of my last contributions as Historian, I have finally gotten around to editing and posting some interviews I did with several early WTA Presidents in doing research for the book: Peter Teal (1973), William Hamsa (1974) and Fred Chang (1977). Transcriptions of these may be found on the WTA website under the “About Us” tab, dropping down to the “History” link. If I do say so, these are worth a look, for some early WTA history and interesting anecdotes which did not make it into the book (some for reasons which will be apparent…). As we say, “Classic WTA.”

I will do whatever is necessary to ensure a thorough transition, and of course will remain available to help Dr. Livingston, and this beloved organization, in any way I can. Thanks again to the WTA leadership of the past seven years for this great privilege!

Mark Metzdorff, M. D.
March 2023