Jean Jacques DuMortier 1904-1934

Jean DuMortier from whom he received a rich physical and mental' inheritance. His early education was received in the Norwalk public schools and at Harstrom's Preparatory School. He went to Williams College for two years, where he creditably participated in athletics-swimming, track, and football. His last two years of college were spent at Columbia University where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1927. His father graduated in Medicine at Brussels with highest honors, and became a surgeon of note in Norwalk and at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Although his father died during Jean's early teens, his influence was obviously a profound one and the son's desire to simulate his father was a constant stimulus throughout his life. Since his early associations with his father Jean had desired to study medicine. During his college years this desire became a consuming ambition. In order to have contact with his future profession he spent much of his free time in hospitals as a laboratory technician and also applied his artistic ability in making drawings of pathological specimens. Even at that time surgery fascinated him and he determined to become a surgeon. He chose Yale University School of Medicine in the belief that the method of teaching at this institution was particularly advantageous to his personal system of study. The wisdom of his choice was fully borne out by his scholastic record. Being completely engrossed in learning, he required only guidance in his wide and indefatigable reading, and welcomed the opportunity to discuss subjects and problems with his teachers. His powers of assimilation, correlation and the applications of knowledge gleaned from his reading were remarkable. He was highly respected by the faculty and even more so by his fellow students for his scholarship and leadership. His energy in the accumulation of knowledge and his ideals and aspirations served as a constant inspiration for his associates. For his scholarship and ability he was elected to A.O.A and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine cum laude, in 1931. Dr. DuMortier believed, as he was taught here, that a doctor, no matter what his specialty, should be well read in all branches of