John Ochsner Gage, MD, FACS, a general and vascular surgeon and longtime leader in the ACS, passed away August 7, at the age of 81.
Born in 1941, Dr. Gage pursued his passion for medicine and attended Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a resident at Charity Hospital through Louisiana State University, Dr. Gage specialized in both general and vascular surgery, eventually serving as a physician in the US Navy and spending time aboard the USS Kitty Hawk before starting a career in private practice.
Working for more than 30 years at West Florida Hospital in Pensacola (now HCA Florida West Hospital), Dr. Gage was an active member in several professional medical associations, including the ACS. Dr. Gage became an ACS Fellow in 1980, going on to serve as President of the Florida Chapter (1986–1988), Governor (1988–1994), Chair of the Board of Governors Committee on Socioeconomic Issues (1990–1994), and Chair of the ACS General Surgery Coding and Reimbursement Committee (2001–2004). His service to the ACS culminated as Secretary of the College, a position he held from 2001 to 2006.
In addition to his other accolades, Dr. Gage received the ACS Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in 1995 for his exceptional and continuous service as an ACS Fellow, as well as a career distinguished by devotion to patient care and the principles and ideals that guide all surgeons in their professional practice.
Outside of the ACS, Dr. Gage was a founding member of the American Medical Association Physician Relative Value Update Committee and a member of the Southern Surgical Association.
Regarded as a talented surgeon, Dr. Gage was known by his colleagues for his roles as leader, teacher, mentor, and innovator who worked to not only save the lives in front of him but also to improve the practice of medicine. His dedication to the advancement of medicine led him to be invited to teach at Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee. His patients have described Dr. Gage as relatable, trustworthy, dedicated, and kind.
Dr. Gage is survived by his wife, Melodie Sillings Gage, and two sons, Julian and Trevor.
