October 19, 2009

President Daniels recovering from surgery

President Ronald J. Daniels last week underwent surgery to remove what was described as a small mass in his abdomen.

The procedure took place on Oct. 12 at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Richard D. Schulick, who is the John L. Cameron, M.D., Professor for Alimentary Tract Diseases in the School of Medicine, was the lead surgeon.

“President Daniels is recovering very well from his operation today,” said Schulick in a statement later that day. “He underwent some imaging tests and was found to have a mass next to the pancreas. The mass was successfully removed. Over the next week, the pathologist will fully characterize the mass. President Daniels’ prognosis is excellent, and we expect a full recovery.”

To access the growth, the surgeons performed a Whipple procedure, during which part of the pancreas was removed. The surgery necessitates a period of recuperation, and Daniels is expected to spend approximately eight weeks away from the office.

In an e-mail letter sent to faculty, staff and students following the surgery, Daniels said, “I would much rather be active and working, as I had been until this morning. But I know that Johns Hopkins will not miss a beat. The university is in great shape, and the senior leadership team—the deans and vice presidents—will keep things moving forward. Provost Lloyd Minor will keep me informed, manage the business of the university on a day-to-day basis and stand in for me as needed until I return sometime next month.”

After thanking university leadership and his family for their support at this time, Daniels, who assumed the presidency just seven months ago, said, “I’ve always known of the outstanding reputation of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. I never intended to get to know Johns Hopkins Medicine so well from the inside but can now personally attest to the stellar care provided by our physicians, nurses and staff.”