Dr. Harrison was exemplary in his technical skills as a surgeon, his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, and his commitment to clinical performance improvement until the last days of his life. He was indeed unique. I, along with all his friends and colleagues, will miss him tremendously.

Ronald C. Jones, MD

Dr. Ben F. Harrison was a friend and teacher whom I have known for 40 years. He staffed the Surgery “A” Service for 2 months each year when I was a general surgery resident in the early 1960s at Parkland Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Harrison attended Southern Methodist University from 1929 to 1931 and completed his medical school training at Baylor University Medical School in Dallas in 1936. He performed his general surgery residency at Baylor from 1936 to 1939. Dr. Harrison became board certified in 1944 and 2 years later became a member of the American College of Surgeons. He was a founding member of the Dallas Society of General Surgeons in 1946 and at the time of his death was one of only 2 remaining founding members.

Dr. Harrison retired in the honorary category as a senior Baylor attending surgeon in 1988. However, he continued to hold teaching conferences, work at Baylor Hospital in the Quality Assurance department, and attend departmental meetings. He never stopped learning and continuing his medical knowledge. His extensive experience in management of the general surgery patient was always insightful and welcomed because of his vast experience in the practice of medicine for over 50 years. He will long be remembered by residents, his fellow physicians, and his former patients.

Zelig H. Lieberman, MD

Ben was a valued and honored friend and mentor to me. In my opinion, he was the ultimate physician and surgeon. Ben epitomized the traits that all surgeons try to emulate. He was compassionate to everyone, and the combination of his surgical skills and sincere concern for the needs of his patients was the hallmark of his outstanding professional reputation.

Despite a very active surgical practice, he was also able to balance his life by devotion to his family and friends. Ben set an example for all of us to model our lives on. We shall miss him and cherish his memory.

Ben F. Harrison, MD