Dr. Kenneth A. Forde

After graduating from VP&S in 1959, Dr. Forde built his distinguished career at Columbia with over 50 years of service to the medical profession and the people it serves. Dr. Forde helped pioneer the use of endoscopy as a diagnostic and surgical tool. His research endeavors ranged from aiding in the development of markers for colon cancer, recognizing the involvement of polys in cancer development and promoting the use of colonoscopy screenings for prevention and early detection. Dr. Forde was co-founder and second president of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

Later in his career, Dr. Forde served as the Jose M. Ferrer Professor Emeritus of Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Actively involved in surgical education, he mentored numerous surgical trainees who have advanced as productive academic colorectal surgeons. He was a member of the Board of Visitors of Columbia University Medical Center, a Trustee of Columbia University, and a Trustee of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. In addition, he was honored by the Westchester Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Episcopal Diocese of New York for his service beyond his professional accomplishments. 

Dr. Forde passed away on June 2, 2019 at his home in Scarborough, N.Y. His legacy carries on at VP&S and beyond, and his memory remains a refreshing inspiration.