Remembering Dr. William Lauerman, M’82
December 27, 1954 ~ September 23, 2013
Dr. Lauerman, born in New York City on December 27, 1954, received a Bachelors of Science degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 1977 and received his medical degree from the Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1982, where he also completed his orthopaedic residency. After completing a fellowship in spinal surgery at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Scoliosis Center, he served as a Major in the US Air Force based at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. He practiced at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center prior to returning to Georgetown University Hospital and School of Medicine where, for almost 20 years, he specialized in spinal surgery, most recently as the Chief of Spinal Surgery and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. He served as Chairman of the Admissions Committee of the Georgetown University School of Medicine prior to being named Dean of Admissions in July, 2012.
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“Dr. Lauerman was a colleague and mentor. During my time as a medical student and orthopedic resident at Georgetown, he inspired me to learn, challenged me to be a better doctor, and supported my decision to enter the field of spine surgery. In treating my patients, there is not a clinic day that goes by, or surgery that I perform, that I do not incorporate something that Dr. Lauerman taught me. Everyone that trained under him, has a story about his expertise, wit, incredible intelligence, and commitment to the advancement of spinal surgery and education of students and residents. He was well known to quote forgotten, but important literature, and take on some of the most difficult clinical cases in our field. I, like many, owe much to Dr. Lauerman. My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to his family and friends.”