Dr. Donald Fry’s career has left a profound mark on academic surgery, defined by bold leadership, remarkable breadth of clinical expertise, and a lifelong dedication to advancing the surgical profession. A native of Ohio, Dr. Fry earned his undergraduate and medical degrees at The Ohio State University, then went on to complete his surgical training at the University of Louisville under the mentorship of Dr. Hiram Polk—a formative experience that shaped his uncompromising commitment to excellence.
In 1987, Dr. Fry joined the University of New Mexico as Chair of the Department of Surgery, following a leadership role at Case Western Reserve University. Over nearly two decades at UNM, he ushered in a new era of growth and academic rigor. The department more than doubled in size, growing from roughly 20 to over 50 faculty members. He was instrumental in launching six ACGME-accredited training programs, solidifying UNM Surgery’s national standing and educational mission.
A true general surgeon in the highest sense, Dr. Fry built clinical proficiency across a wide range of surgical fields—including bariatrics, hepatobiliary, foregut, burn, and trauma surgery. He was known for his willingness to take on the most difficult cases, often repeating his philosophy: “Doing surgery no one wanted to do; when no one wanted to do it.” That ethos remains central to the practice of Acute Care Surgery today.
Dr. Fry is widely recognized as a leading authority in surgical infectious disease. He authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles, contributed to more than 140 book chapters, and edited 10 major textbooks. As Editor-in-Chief of Surgical Infections and Surgical Infections Case Reports, he shaped the field’s academic discourse. His research spanned topics from sepsis in surgical patients to systems-based approaches to quality and value in healthcare.
Following his tenure at UNM, Dr. Fry served as Executive Vice-President of MPA Healthcare Solutions and Adjunct Professor Emeritus at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. His national leadership is reflected in fellowships with the American College of Surgeons and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and in his presidencies of the Surgical Infection Society of North America, the Shock Society, and the Association of VA Surgeons. In recognition of his lifetime of contributions, he received the Career Achievement Award from Ohio State in 1997.
Now retired in Las Vegas with his wife, Rosemary, Dr. Fry remains committed to the future of surgical education through endowed professorships at both UNM and the University of Louisville. His lasting legacy is reflected in the transformative impact he has made on surgery—shaping the practice, training, and scholarship that will guide generations of surgeons to come.