Professional bond inspires gift of life

Two doctors involved in a transplant hope to raise awareness about donating organs to nonfamily members.

By Damon Adams, AMNews staff. Aug. 23/30, 2004.

Twenty-four years ago, Charles Tesar, MD, was a young medical resident learning how to practice medicine. Richard Fassett, MD, was his residency chair, the mentor who gave him guidance, instruction and reassurance.

Last month Dr. Tesar gave Dr. Fassett something as well.

A kidney.

The transplant has strengthened the bond the physicians have shared since 1980, when Dr. Tesar started his residency under Dr. Fassett at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego.

For years since, the two otolaryngologists have worked side by side in the operating room with Dr. Fassett assisting the man he helped sculpt into a doctor.

Dr. Tesar didn't hesitate to volunteer a kidney when hereditary kidney disease left his colleague needing one. In the weeks following the surgery, the two San Diego doctors have talked by phone every day, been out to breakfast together during their recovery and taken strolls along the California coastline.

The two don't call each other Richard and Charles. It's Dick and Chuck.

Dr. Tesar "comes over and pats me on the belly and says, 'How you doing?' I think he wants to make sure I'm taking good care of his kidney," said Dr. Fassett, 65, who is semi-retired.

Dr. Tesar started looking up to Dr. Fassett early in his residency.

"He just seemed like such a good leader, very calm, and he projected real confidence. He would always give great guidance," said Dr. Tesar, 54. "There was something about Dr. Fassett that you really wanted to give your best."