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Ross Musgrave (MED '43)

Ross Musgrave retired as executive director of the Medical Alumni Association in 2002 after 12 years in the position. Fortunately for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Ross's commitment to the school began long before his tenure as executive director and isn't likely to end with the word "retirement."

For more than six decades, Ross has been a part of the School of Medicine, first as a student and a resident and later as a professor of surgery, an active alumnus, and a faculty advisor for the annual student-produced theater production, Scope and Scalpel. In fact, his most recent role at the school was performed in the 2003 Scope and Scalpel production. Ross played the part of the butler in "Joe Med Student," a parody of the reality-television show "Joe Millionaire."   He did it, according to one student, "perfectly."

Anyone who knows Ross would say that's how he performs most of his roles. He is a world-renowned plastic surgeon who has been recognized by local and national medical societies. His service to the University as a professor and an alumnus has won him many honors, including distinguished alumni awards from both the University and the School of Medicine. And during his term as executive director of the Medical Alumni Association, Ross helped create several new student programs and traditions to mentor young doctors and introduce them to the profession.

But he's never been motivated by recognition, long titles, or awards named in his honor (like the Ross H. Musgrave Award in Plastic Surgery, presented each year to a graduating student.) His reason for staying so close to the school for so long is simply the students.

"It's really about working with the students," he said. "That has always been the fun part."

Ross has watched the School of Medicine rise to its position as a top-20 medical school. He credits in part the fantastic leadership and faculty but gives most of the recognition to the students.

"The great thing about our school is our medical students," he said. "We select 148 of the best students in the country from more than 4,400 applicants. We have the best there is."