Memories of Tom Keon MD

From Lynne G. Maxwell MD: May his memory be a blessing to all of us who knew and loved Tom and benefited from his wisdom and kindness.

From Jim Viney MD: I am sorry to hear that Tom Keon has died. I remember him very fondly, he was so kind. He also didn’t hesitate to speak up forcefully when it was needed. He was a great mentor at CHOP when i was a fellow there.

From Alan Jay Schwartz MD MSEd

Such sad news about Tom! Yet the very happy thoughts about Tom live on. I was a CHOP Fellow one year behind Tom. An education truism that I learned from being associated with Tom is that we learn from everyone, all the time. Tom was a mentor who taught and touched us all!

From Bill Greeley MD

Tom Keon was the consummate clinician from whom I was privileged to learn as a trainee and later as a Faculty colleague at CHOP. His impact on those he trained and counseled was profound. His calm demeanor and level-headed thinking made him especially effective as a teacher to all. I can still hear his Socratic inquires when I presented a poorly thought out anesthetic plan on a complex patient - “Now Bill, why would you want to do that?” (Translated - what a stupid, unsafe or impractical approach). At Faculty or Staff meetings he was the reasoned voice in the room challenging leadership/Chairperson - “now Jack (Dr Jack Downes) or Bill (me) that makes no sense!”. Always respectful in a deferential manner, but getting his point across to rethink the particular issue.

However, his most sage advice he offered me came from his experiences as an avid golfer. When he learned that I was taking up golf, trading out competitive basketball in my mid-60’s for golf, he came into my office unannounced and said “Bill don’t start playing golf. You will be tortured for the rest of your life and will regret your decision”. As usual, he was right and I think of him as I frustratingly hack around the golf course.

May this good man and faithful colleague now rest in peace in the presence and hearts of all those who loved and cherished him.

Rom Cuy eloquently reflected about Tom (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/paoli-pa/thomas-keon-12375624):

“What would Tom do?” That question has echoed in my mind throughout my career as a Pediatric Anesthesiologist. Pina Templeton once told me that it was the answer to most clinical (and administrative) pediatric anesthesia problems-and she was right. I met Dr. Thomas Keon on the first day of my Pediatric Anesthesia rotation at CHOP as a CA-2 from HUP in the 1990s, and from that moment, I knew I had found my calling. His calm, thoughtful teaching style and steady presence, even in the most complex and high-pressure situations, were qualities I aspired to emulate. I still remember the day he was leaving CHOP. We were in the locker room, and he handed me a small bundle of precordial stethoscopes- “the most important monitor you’ll ever have,” he said. I’ve kept them ever since, as a symbol of everything he taught me: stay close to your patient, be quiet, listen, remain calm, and always keep learning. God bless you, Tom. Your legacy lives on - in every case, every patient, and every anesthesiologist who carries your wisdom forward.

As an educator, Tom knew the value of understanding clinical cases. His succinct and explicit observation of patients with mediastinal masses was followed by advice on their safe anesthetic management. Read Tom’s words:

Keon, T. (1981). Death on Induction of Anesthesia for Cervical Node Biopsy. Anesthesiology, 55(4), 469-471. Retrieved from http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&PAGE=reference&D=ovfta&NEWS=N&AN=00000542-198110000-00028.

While Tom’s passing might seem like an end to an era, it isn’t at all because the ripple effect of Tom’s teaching is far reaching!

From Bruce E. Miller, M.D., Chief, Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Arthur M. Blank Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia

One of my favorite things about Dr. Keon (though there were many others!): While I was at CHOP, Dr. Keon had the phrase “Grace under Pressure” framed in his office. He was the personification of that phrase. I have quoted that and talked about Dr. Keon a thousand times to others since I finished my fellowship 30+ years ago. He is certainly someone who I have always aspired (though mostly failed!) to be like in my professional life.

From Robert Brustowicz, MD Boston Children’s Hospital

Tom was one of my favorite attendings at CHOP. While I don’t have a particularly interesting recollection, I do remember him always being on an even keel and very levelheaded. It was always a good day when you were assigned to have Tom as your attending. One of the giants in our field Tom will truly be missed.

From Catherine Krucylak

Tom Keon was the consummate clinician and educator, whose wisdom and teaching I still share with my fellows and residents.