Dr. Raja Kandaswamy Pays Tribute to David Sutherland, MD, PhD, on MPR's Parting Thoughts

The Department of Surgery honors Professor Emeritus David E. R. Sutherland, MD, PhD, who passed away on March 23 at age 84. Considered the “father of pancreas transplantation," Dr. Sutherland's groundbreaking work transformed diabetes treatment and made the University of Minnesota a global leader in transplant innovation.

Known for his compassion, mentorship, and trailblazing achievements, including the world's first living-donor partial pancreas transplant, Dr. Sutherland left a lasting mark on the field and the people around him.

"He knew everybody by name. He knew about their families. He would inquire about them, and he always looked out for the patient," said Dr. Raja Kandaswamy, Professor in the Division of Transplantation.

Listen to the full conversation between Dr. Kandaswamy and Cathy Wurzer in MPR's Parting Thoughts.