Oliver Beahrs, MD, FACS

Interim Medical Director, Cancer Department, 1984

Although Oliver H. Beahrs, MD, FACS, served as Interim Medical Director of the American College of Surgeons Cancer Program for only a few months in 1984, his contributions to the cancer program and the College are incalculable. Known to his friends as “Ollie”, he evoked a warmth and charisma that beckoned you to be in his presence. He was devoted to his beloved Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and performed not only as a master surgeon , but also as an ambassador for that institution in every instance.

In 1940, a young student named Oliver Beahrs was working his way through Northwestern University Medical School. He earned money for tuition by performing magic tricks. The faculty adviser for the school talent show that year was Loyal Davis, M.D., a prominent neurosurgeon, whose wife, Edith, was an actress. During rehearsals at the Davis home, Ollie Beahrs met his hosts’ teenage daughter, Nancy. Nancy went on to become Nancy Reagan and the lifelong friendship between Dr. Beahrs and the Reagans developed. That relationship would create unique opportunities for both the ACS and the cancer program.

Dr. Beahrs contributed in so many ways to the cancer mission of the College and to many other organizations. He served as editor of the first four editions of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual and helped to transform that organization, founded in 1959, into the worldwide leadership role in cancer staging that it enjoys today. He served for many years as a Regent of the College and in 1988, he rose to the presidency.

Oliver H. “Ollie” Beahrs died in Rochester, MN on January 7, 2006, at the age of 91. He is remembered with love and respect by all who knew him not only for his monumental contributions to the American College of Surgeons and its cancer program, but, more importantly, for his warmth, humanity, and compassion.

Written by Frederick L. Greene, MD, FACS

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