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Donald R VandePolder, MD
Board Resolution April 18, 2005 Video Interview 2005
Donald R. VandePolder, MD, came to Sarasota in
1965 and set up a private practice in Neurology, the branch of
medical science that deals with the nervous system. He found his
career a challenging one, as he was the only neurologist between
St. Petersburg and Miami at that time.
When he arrived at Sarasota Memorial, there were roughly 80
physicians on staff; today SMH has over 800 staff physicians. In
addition to watching Sarasota Memorial grow and change over the
years, Dr. VandePolder has witnessed the effects of advanced
technology, as well as breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals and
drugs for the neurological practice. " The basis of
neurological diagnosis has advanced from the reflex hammer to
complex machinery and computers: revolutionary changes have
occured."
Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. VandePolder graduated from the
University of Michigan Medical School, where he also completed a
residency in neurology. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry and
Neurology, as well as Electroencephalography. Dr. VandePolder
was an Assistant Clinical Professor in Neurology at the
University of South Florida. He has served as Chief of Staff and
Chair of the Social Service Committee. He was also Chairman of
the first computer committee at SMH. Dr. VandePolder has also
been actively involved with several programs through the
Department of Gerontology at SMH. Dr. VandePolder was a champion
of education and computer technology and served on the Medical
Education Committee for many years.
Dr. VandePolder has been very active in neurologically related
organizations, serving as the Clinic Director of the Muscular
Dystrophy Association. He was also involved with the Epilepsy
Foundation and Clinic, as well as Children's Medical Services.
One of the most rewarding developments of his career involved
the advancements in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. "We
first had nothing to offer these patients, but now the treatment
is quite effective. I am hopeful that before my career ends, I
will be able to say the same about Alzheimer's disease."
Because of the long-term chronic disease processes that
neurologists sometimes face, Dr. VandePolder often dealt with
bioethical challenges. He strongly believes that open
communication is important with his patients and their families.
With the wide acceptance of living wills and the emphasis in the
media on terminal care, Dr. VandePolder feels that the majority
of his patients and families are well-informed and often bring
up the subject of future care, decision making, etc. "I see that
as a very positive addition to medical care. The two most
important medicines when dealing with a chronic neurological
disease are love and respect."
Married to his wife, Helen for over 30 years and they have five
children. He believes in an emphasis on family and even took
them all on a three week tour throughout Europe, when the
youngest was only 6 years old. Traveling is a truly
enjoyable pastime for Dr. VandePolder. He has traveled
extensively with his wife throughout Europe, to Egypt, Greece,
the Middle East, China, Australia and also to Hawaii.
Dr. VandePolder has a strong work ethic in connection with the
art of medicine. Neurology in particular became his specialty
because he found the brain "fascinatingly mysterious." He has
found his career to be very stimulating, with every day full of
surprises. "I am certain I will find the rest of my career
filled with interesting new things to learn. I am also quite
certain I will end my career still not knowing much about the
brain."
Dr. VandePolder was truly a committed professional on the
Sarasota Memorial Hospital staff. He is dedicated to medicine
and the fascincating things it has taught him. A busy man, Dr.
VandePolder assesses it well with: "One of these years, I'm
going to take an afternoon off."
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