"My first association with HSS was involuntary," quips Sam Polk, referencing his 1966 knee surgery performed by Dr. Rolla D. Campbell following a skiing accident. His surgery prompted Sam to join the Board of Trustees and began a 50-year relationship with the Hospital.
"I had the privilege of serving on various committees of the Board, including the Executive, Research, and Development Committees," says Sam. "When I joined the Board, the average length of stay was nine days. Today, most patients can expect to be out of the Hospital in about two days. It's remarkable to see the progress." Now a Life Trustee, he has seen the Hospital grow in every respect: from the size of the medical staff and the facilities, to the number of patients treated.
Although there has been tremendous expansion over the years, Sam notes that the Hospital's culture has not changed much, a fact he attributes to Dr. Philip D. Wilson, Jr. and the late Dr. Philip D. Wilson, Sr., for whom the Wilson Society is named.
"The Wilson Society provided a focus for planned giving," says Sam, who helped to create the Wilson Society and is one of the Society's charter members. "I tried to do what I could in lifetime giving, and I thought another great way of giving back was through my estate plan." he explains. "It was very appropriate to honor the Wilson family with the Society. Phil Wilson and his father set and perpetuated a standard of professional excellence and a culture of collegiality which make HSS truly 'special.'"
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