The inspiration for this basic science series occurred at an educational retreat led by Dr. Maximillian Buja, who at the time was the dean of the medical school. Dr. Buja served as Dean of the University of Texas Medical School at Houston from 1995 to 2003 before being appointed Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. It has been such a joy to work together with Dr. Lawrence Ross, who is a brilliant anatomist and teacher, and my new scientist author Dr. Han Zhang. Sitting side by side during the writing process as they precisely described the anatomical structures was academically fulfilling, but more so, made me a better surgeon. It has been a privilege to work with Dr. Cristo Papasakelariou, a dear friend, scientist, leader, and the finest gynecological laparoscopic surgeon I know. I would like to thank McGraw-Hill for believing in the concept of teaching by clinical cases. I owe a great debt to Catherine Johnson, who has been a fantastically encouraging and enthusiastic editor. It has been amazing to work together with my daughter Allison, who is a senior nursing student at the Scott and White School of Nursing; she is an astute manuscript reviewer and already early in her career she has a good clinical acumen and a clear writing style. Dr. Ross would like to acknowledge the figure drawings from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston originally published in Philo et al., Guide to Human Anatomy, Philadelphia: Saunders, 1985. At Methodist Hospital, I appreciate and am grateful to Drs. Mark Boom, Alan Kaplan, and Judy Paukert. At St. Joseph Medical Center, I would like to recognize our outstanding administrators: Pat Mathews and Paula Efird. I appreciate Linda Bergstrom’s advice and assistance. Without the help from my colleagues, Drs. Konrad Harms, Priti Schachel, Gizelle Brooks-Carter, John McBride, and Russell Edwards, this manuscript could not have been written. Most importantly, I am humbled by the love, affection, and encouragement from my lovely wife, Terri, and our children, Andy and his wife Anna, Michael, Allison, and Christina.
Eugene C. Toy