Peer Recognition | Eastern NC Now

    Publisher's note: The author of this post, Kathryn Kennedy, is a contributor to ECU News Services.

Pories appointed officer in American College of Surgeons

    An East Carolina University surgeon has been selected to serve as second vice president of the American College of Surgeons – the highest office in that organization ever held by a Brody School of Medicine doctor.

    Dr. Walter J. Pories, professor of surgery, biochemistry and kinesiology, joined ECU in 1977 as chair of the Department of Surgery at the university's medical school, which had just begun its four-year program.

    Founded in 1913, the American College of Surgeons provides leadership for the surgical sciences and promotes the highest quality of care across all of the surgical sub-disciplines.

    "It is one of the most prestigious professional organizations in the world," said Dr. Paul Cunningham, dean of the Brody School of Medicine at ECU and himself a surgeon. "Through his creativity and indefatigable work ethic, Dr. Pories has achieved national and international acclaim. This selection by his peers is one of the highest recognitions that can be possible. It is a true honor for us all in the Pirate Nation."

    The second vice president position is one of five officers in the national organization.

    "The election is a great honor that I'm certain should have gone to others who are more deserving," Pories wrote recently. He referred to the American College of Surgeons as "an admirable organization that has really made a major difference in health care for the world."

    He has previously served the college as president-elect of the Ohio Chapter, president of the North Carolina Chapter, on the Board of Governors for two terms, and as a member of some committees – especially the International Relations Committee that is dedicated to educating surgeons from around the world.

    Pories is perhaps best known for modifying a type of weight-loss surgery into the "Greenville Gastric Bypass." He showed conclusively that not only does it result in durable weight loss but also causes a long-term remission of type 2 diabetes in patients who have diabetes and undergo the surgery.

    Among other honors, he is the 2001 recipient of O. Max Gardner Award, the highest honor given by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.