A life of service. This week, June 30, 2017 marks the formal retirement of Lawrence Harkless, DPM. When someone so incredible and amazing moves on, it becomes imperative for us to recognize his contribution. For those of us who know Dr Harkless – which seems like everyone - we can’t help but be instantly aware that this man is unique and special, a true statesman of our podiatric profession.

Before coming to work at the Western University College of Podiatric Medicine seven years ago, I had not met Dr Harkless. My first interaction with him was via a phone call I received after I sent in my application to teach at the school. To be honest, I submitted the application on a whim. “Who would hire me to teach at one of the colleges?”, I thought.

It had been a while since I applied, and I had almost forgotten about the application when I received Dr Harkless’ call. We had a very nice conversation in which Dr Harkless was very complimentary about the work I’d done. I was shocked that this pillar of our community would even know who I was!

When I came to interview, I met a man who clearly had a vision and boundless passion for what he did. I was sold.

Since then, I’ve never seen Dr Harkless waver in his passion and dedication to podiatry. He is a true statesman, and it is only appropriate that he completes this phase of his 40-year career being the founding Dean of our most recent College of Podiatric Medicine. What better way for a man to be known for his academic quality and scholarship.

Besides his passion for the profession, he is truly one of the most knowledgeable podiatrists I have met. I used to think I was pretty good when it came to diabetic limb salvage, and then I met Dr Harkless. This man’s knowledge borders on the encyclopedic. Ask about the molecular basis of diabetic complications, and he will give you a lecture off the cuff. I learned something new from him with every surgical procedure we scrubbed on together.

Yet despite his long years of clinical and academic practice, as well as his exposure to major historical figures of our profession, he remains to this day a humble man who seems to unconditionally care for those under his wing. I’ve never met a less judgmental person. His emotional generosity is so deep I’m still amazed when I see it. Very few people in this world can be as open to criticism while remaining as professional as Dr Harkless.

For example, he and I once debated the merits of doing a hallux IP joint arthroplasty to heal diabetic great toe wounds. He was an advocate of the Keller procedure while I strongly pushed the IPJ arthroplasty. Despite his – at the time – 35 years of experience compared with my six years of experience, he listened with an open mind and even accepted my arguments to a great extent. How many people do you know that would have responded in such a manner? Very few I’ll wager. Most of us are used to an older experienced physician close mindedly and dogmatically adhering to “what worked best in my hands.” The fact he was even willing to listen to this young upstart, who couldn’t have even a shadow of the amount of experience as him, argues strongly for the strength of character of this man.

I have learned so many things from Dr Harkless. He has taught me to avoid “ambiguity of expectations,” to communicate my needs, to have vision, to help those younger than me, and to be fearlessly honest. What more can any of us ask from a mentor and leader?

Although our profession will miss Dr Harkless, he assures me he has plans in his retirement to help continue to move our profession forward. If the powers that lead our profession don’t immediately contact him to tap his vision and utilize his statesman’s skills, then they’re foolish beyond belief.

For those of you who have known him, or those affected in some way by his mentorship and education (almost all of us in some way), please join me in congratulating Lawrence B Harkless, DPM on his much deserved retirement and amazing career as an educator. We wish you all the best joy and success on your next endeavors.