Hiram C. Polk, Jr., former chair of the University of Louisville Department of Surgery, and Ben A. Reid Senior Professor of Surgery, has been selected as the dedication recipient for the 60th volume of the journal Surgical Forum. The issue is devoted to the best in surgical research for 2009.

Dr. Polk trained over 230 general surgeons during his 34-year tenure as chair of the department. During his time as chairman, the department achieved many successes, including becoming a national leader in surgical research, performing the first artificial hand transplant and developing one of the leading trauma centers. Polk now serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Foundation for Biomedical Research in Washington, D.C., is president of the board of trustees of River Fields, a conservation organization in Kentucky, and is a member of the Jockey Club's safety committee for thoroughbred horse racing.

The dedication reads, in part: "The 60th Volume of the Surgical Forum is dedicated to a surgical icon who has devoted his life to the advancement of surgical education, practice and science. He has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless number of surgeons, physicians, and scientists and has made monumental contributions to the field of surgery. This year, the Surgical Forum Committee is honored to dedicate this volume to an individual who epitomizes the values for which the Surgical Forum was originally established. All of us who have had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Polk have benefited from his commitment for excellence."