Northeastern Spotlight

Spring 2018 Volume 13 – Number 1

TB Limelight – Paul Bolanowski, MD 

Dr. Paul Bolanowski (Photo credit – Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Pulse Magazine)

“The first test of a truly great man is in his humility.” – John Ruskin

This quote sums up the character of Dr. Paul J. Bolanowski, cardiothoracic surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). Despite over 48 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery, Dr. Bolanowski remains humble and true to his passion of putting patients first. Dr. Bolanowski has been a surgical consultant to the Global Tuberculosis Institute (GTBI) for more than 25 years where he played a significant role working alongside pulmonologists performing surgery as an adjunct to medical management of complex TB patients. Dr. Bolanowski recently retired from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

As he began to reflect on his early career at the then University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), he acknowledges Dr. Lee Reichman for his pioneering role in starting the pulmonary department at NJMS and founding the Global Tuberculosis Institute with Dr. Reynard McDonald, former Medical Director of GTBI. He recalls working with these two life-long friends as some of the best memories of his career; they made a good team and complemented one another in the care they provided for TB patients.

Dr. Bolanowski credits his upbringing to his Polish background. His grandfather migrated from Poland to the United States and worked as a carpenter for the Board of Education in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was determined to pass on the importance of education to the next generation. Dr. Bolanowski’s father learned the education lesson well by excelling as the top student of his high school class, earning a full scholarship to Rutgers University, and a partial scholarship to Harvard Medical School, and later establishing a thriving medical practice in Elizabeth, NJ.

Although his father warned him about the long hours and his mother was apprehensive about his decision, Dr. Bolanowski made the choice to chase his dreams of being a cardiothoracic surgeon having been inspired by his father to go into the medical field.  After graduating from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. Bolanowski enrolled in the College of Medicine and Dentistry at New Jersey Medical School in 1961. He was the first alumnus of New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) to be accepted at Yale University for a residency program in surgery but after two years he left to serve in the army. He first went to Fort Knox where he trained long-range reconnaissance patrols in anatomy so that they could care for themselves if wounded. He then spent a year in Vietnam as part of the Wound Data and Effectiveness Munitions Team. During the 1960s, the government established a doctors’ draft, known as the Berry Plan that offers two choices to physicians: join the service of their choice and get full residency training in their chosen specialty or be part of the selective service draft. Dr. Bolanowski chose the first option and was deployed overseas; at the time, he was already married with children.
Prior to his stint in the army, he was sent to the Pentagon in Washington, DC to brush up on his photography skills. This would come in handy later when he needed to take photographs while hanging out of the door of a chopper. He described his military experience as “one of the most life-changing moments” and lauded the efficient and structured system in the military. After his return to the US, he was recruited back to Newark, NJ to work with Dr. Erick Lazaro from whom he learned the intricacies of surgery. He credits Dr. Lazaro as the reason why he is a surgeon and Drs. William E. Neville and Benjamin Rush who contributed to his exceptional training in this field.

The emergence of fiberoptic bronchoscopy as a medical development during the 1970s caused tension between surgeons due to the implications of replacing surgeries. Many were opposed to using this procedure as it would lower the number of surgeries, which was the prime source of income for surgeons. Dr. Bolanowski, however, embraced this advancement and worked with Dr. McDonald to treat patients using this procedure. TB surgeries are intricate, frequently involving excessive bleeding and a higher risk of transmission; this was one of the main reasons surgeons were hesitant to perform complicated TB surgeries. Dr. Bolanowski tirelessly assisted in difficult TB cases and was determined to treat these patients.

Dr. Bolanowski has witnessed and participated in several changes in the practice of medicine over time. “Medicine has changed dramatically over the years in a positive way. Physicians are able to do more for the patient today and I think that’s a great thing.” When questioned about his recommendations for aspiring surgeons and physicians he said “the younger generation have to understand the importance of disease, disease happens 24 hours and 7 days and you have to be committed to doing the best you can to treat the patient.” He added that even today with many medical advancements, TB still requires surgery in some cases.  “If one of the lungs were destroyed, it can trigger secondary infection and that’s when surgery comes into play to remove the infected lung which can then assist the patient to survive.”

With over four decades of surgeries behind him, Dr. Bolanowski’s passion for surgery inspires many surgeons, clinicians and students. Dr. Justin Sambol, cardiothoracic surgeon at NJMS and mentee of Dr. Bolanowski, acknowledges Dr. Bolanowski as his inspiration to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. “He has been a teacher, friend and mentor to many who have pursued careers in thoracic surgery. No matter what time, day or night, weekday or weekend, if you called Paul about a patient he would be there in minutes. The foundation I have received from Dr. B has been instrumental in my success as a surgeon and for that I am truly grateful to him.”

Drs. Paul Bolanowski and Lee Reichman looking at TB instruments

As he enters retirement, Dr. Bolanowski is spending most of his time with family, including his five grandchildren. He has recently adopted a puppy, who brings him much enjoyment. He appreciates his wife for being a supportive partner throughout his medical career and for raising their five children. He mentioned that some of his greatest times at GTBI are working with Dr. McDonald and Dr. Reichman and misses working with them.“The bottom line with Bolo, is that he was a close colleague and friend, since the formation of the Global TB Institute 25 years ago. His dedication and clinical/surgical expertise has been a major contributor to GTBI’s continual standing and recognition as one of the leading TB Treatment Centers in the USA,” says Dr. Reichman as he reminisces about his experiences working with Dr. Bolanowski.

The impact that Dr. Bolanowski has had with his colleagues, students and patients has truly been exemplary and it is no doubt that he will be missed for his expertise, knowledge and sense of humor. Though his retirement is the end of his 48-year long journey in cardiothoracic surgery, he continues bringing his “big spirit” to anyone else who happens to be in his path in the course of an average day.

Submitted by Shwata Suresh Kumar, MPH – Health Educator