Raymond A. Dieter, Jr., M.D., M.S. was born at home in Chebanse, Illinois and went to a one room school for kindergarten. For twelve years, I attended Chebanse School while working on a farm and in a hardware store. I went to the University of Illinois (studied Veterinary Medicine for one year) and then Loyola Medical school, which was followed by Cook County Hospital and the U.S. Public Health Service in Mt. Edgecumbe and Sitka, Alaska. Following six years at the Hines V.A. Hospital, we established cardiovascular surgery at Loyola (Stritch) and Central DuPage Hospital (now part of Northwestern Medicine). During the 40+ years practicing, I chaired the development of two surgicenters, served on the board of directors at two banks (one as vice president), helped organize the building of Good Samaritan Hospital, served as president of the International College of Surgeons, and traveled to about 40 countries. I now serve as president of the International Museum of Surgical Science and the Illinois Reserve Organization of America.
