Local Surgeons Recognized in National Library of Medicine Exhibit

Cincinnati—A new National Library of Medicine exhibit recognizes two local African-American academic surgeons associated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) Academic Health Center.

Trauma surgeons Kenneth Davis, MD, and Karyn Butler, MD, were among the 17 black academic surgeons and educators from across the United States showcased as part of the exhibit.

The exhibit—entitled Opening Doors: Contemporary African-American Academic Surgeons—is on display at the National Library of Medicine and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture through May 31.

“Surgeons like Dr. Davis and Dr. Butler exemplify excellence in their fields and they believe in continuing that journey of excellence through education and mentoring of young African-Americans pursuing medical careers,” says exhibit co-curator Jill Newmark. “We hope this exhibit provides a glimpse into the accomplishments and contributions of African American academic surgeons to medicine and medical education.”

Davis is a professor of surgery and clinical anesthesia and vice chairman of UC’s surgery department. He also serves as assistant dean for diversity and cultural affairs for the UC College of Medicine.

Butler is an associate professor at UC. Her current research focuses on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury—the loss or reduction in blood flow to part of the muscular tissue of the heart and resulting injury.

Both Butler and Davis treat trauma patients as part of the around-the-clock trauma team at University Hospital, the only level-1 adult trauma center in Hamilton County, Ohio. The team—consisting of surgeons, physicians, residents, nurses, social workers and case managers—are specially trained to treat traumatic and critical-care injuries.

“It’s imperative that we showcase African-American talent to encourage the next generation of African-American surgeons and surgeon-scientists,” says Butler. “This exhibit is a critical step towards improving ethnic diversity in surgery.”

For more information on the Opening Doors exhibit, visit nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/aframsurgeons.