October 11, 2002

In memoriam: Ronald A. Malt, MD

Ronald A. Malt, MD, (left) a longtime MGH surgeon and former chief of Gastrointestinal Surgery, died at the Newton-Wellesley Alzheimer's Center Oct. 5 at the age of 70. An MGH surgeon, teacher and researcher for more than 35 years, Malt was best known for leading the team that accomplished the first successful reattachment of a human limb.

Malt was the MGH chief surgical resident in 1962 when 12-year-old Everett Knowles of Somerville arrived at the hospital, his right arm having been torn from his body when the freight train from which he was hanging passed a stone abutment. Since the successful reattachment of Knowles' arm – an event covered by media around the world – the MGH has continued to be a leader in replantation surgery.

The event was only the first high point in Malt's distinguished career. Leslie Ottinger, MD, former director of the MGH Surgical Residency Program, says: "Ron was a brilliant person, who sought excellence in everything he did. He conducted a productive research laboratory dealing with protein biochemistry for decades and was an outstanding, innovative clinical surgeon."

Malt was most proud of his achievements in academic medicine. He was a professor emeritus of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Upon his retirement in 1997, W. Gerald Austen, MD, then MGH surgeon-in-chief, said, "Ron has truly enjoyed his teaching relationships with his residents and fellows, and they have loved their experiences with Ron."
Memorial gifts can be made to the Ronald A. Malt Surgical Residents Fund, c/o the Tribute Program, MGH Development Office, 100 Charles River Plaza, Suite 600. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

Malt, far left, with Knowles, right