R. Peter Altman, M.D., the Rudolph N. Schullinger Professor Emeritus of Pediatric Surgery (in Surgery and Pediatrics), died July 27, 2011. He was a member of the Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital communities for more than 30 years. The following is reprinted from an obituary published in NYPress, the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital newsletter. The photo and obituary can be viewed in the September 2011 issue available here.

During his extraordinary career, Dr. Altman held several leadership positions, including Physician-in-Chief for the NewYork-Presbyterian Children’s Health System and Surgeon-in-Chief at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. He played a major role in the development of MSCHONY, from conceptualization to completion and beyond.

At Columbia University’s Col­lege of Physicians & Surgeons, Dr. Altman was the Rudolph N. Schull­inger Professor Emeritus of Pediatric Surgery (in Surgery and Pediatrics).

A distinguished clinician and researcher, Dr. Altman made many important contributions to the care of infants and children. He intro­duced a surgical technique to correct the fatal congenital liver condition biliary atresia, helping numerous children live into adulthood. A leader in pediatric surgical educa­tion, he mentored scores of fellows who went on to have distinguished careers. Dr. Altman was known both for his wry wit and his serious com­mitment to helping children and their families. He is survived by his wife, Hanna; sons Robert and James; and four grandchildren.