Surgeon Until 95 Celebrates his 100th Birthday

Ellsworth E. Wareham, MD, a noted heart surgeon at Loma Linda University Health whose longevity, work ethic, and vegetarian lifestyle have been featured on major media outlets, was publicly honored as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Dr. Wareham, who was practicing surgery as recently as five years ago, was the guest of honor at a formal dinner and program on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center in Loma Linda. Joining him was Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, President, Loma Linda University Health, and Dan Buettner, author of the book “The Blue Zones.” “We are proud to be honoring a great physician and humanitarian who remains vital and full of life as he celebrates 100 years,” said Dr. Roger Hadley, dean of Loma Linda University School of Medicine. “Dr. Wareham has certainly been an inspiration for all of us, as his example and contributions to the community and the world continue on.” After graduating from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1942, Dr. Wareham started impacting the lives of countless people across the globe as a cardiothoracic surgeon. In 1963, along with Dr. Joan Coggin, he founded the Loma Linda University Overseas Heart Surgery Team, which has performed more heart surgeries in more nations than any similar organization on record. Well into his 90s and still practicing surgery at that time, Dr. Wareham was featured in Buettner’s book which highlights people who lead long lives in certain spots on the planet, with Loma Linda identified as the only “Blue Zone” in North America. Dr. Wareham was also featured on Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN, and profiled by Dr. Mehmet Oz on Oprah Winfrey’s show. To continue Dr. Wareham’s legacy of providing life-saving treatment to the world, Loma Linda University School of Medicine hopes to raise $3 million toward an endowed chair in his name.