Memorial to Dr. Joe Bauer
In Memory of Dr. Joe A. Bauer Jr, M.D.
By Kenny Wheeler
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The worlds diving community has lost a great treasure and friend. Dr. Joe, as he was known, passed away on April 3, 2007.
Dr. Bauer was not a Dive Instructor, nor did he discover any Treasure Galleons. Dr. Joe was a world renowned surgeon, a passionate Diver and Dive Historian. Dr. Joe became famous twice in his life. Dr. Bauer, the surgeon, was a specialist in General, Laser and Colorectal Surgery. Dr. Bauer developed the first free standing, physian-owned and operated Outpatient Surgical Center as a way to reduce medical costs. He developed a number of surgical procedures that led to less pain and much shorter recovery times for patients. Dr. Bauer introduced Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery for gall bladder disease. These procedures and the outpatient clinics are commonplace today.
Dr. Joe, the Diver, and his wife Dr. Sally Bauer, M.D., along with their busy medical careers, pursued avocations as marine biologists, SCUBA divers and diving Historians. The Bauer's' acquired the worlds largest collection of diving helmets, hand operated air pumps, armored suits, lights, accessory gear, memorabilia, prints, photographs, books, film and video. The collection represents the contributions of more than 30 countries to diving history.
After retiring, Dr. Joe & Sally devoted their time, expertise and their unique collection of historic artifacts to the development of a world class History of Diving Museum located in the Upper Florida Keys. The History of Diving Museum opened to the world in September of 2006. Dr. Joe wanted to show the world the complete story of "Man's Quest to Explore the Sea" and share this largely untold story. Dr. Joe's story begins 5000 years ago and takes you on the journey up to modern SCUBA. My favorite memory of Dr. Joe is walking the corridors of the museum telling the story of diving to me and other guests. When he spoke his eyes would light up, he became animated, passionate and his voice would explode with energy. This is how I will remember Dr. Joe.
It is rare that a man leaves a legacy that affects the world. It is far rarer still to leave two different legacies to humanity. Dr Joe not only left a legacy as a surgeon, innovator, and pioneer of medical procedures but he left the world, the story of diving. We have truly lost a great man. He was a Diver and will be sorely missed.
In Memory of Dr. Joe A. Bauer Jr, M.D.
By Kenny Wheeler
||
The worlds diving community has lost a great treasure and friend. Dr. Joe, as he was known, passed away on April 3, 2007.
Dr. Bauer was not a Dive Instructor, nor did he discover any Treasure Galleons. Dr. Joe was a world renowned surgeon, a passionate Diver and Dive Historian. Dr. Joe became famous twice in his life. Dr. Bauer, the surgeon, was a specialist in General, Laser and Colorectal Surgery. Dr. Bauer developed the first free standing, physian-owned and operated Outpatient Surgical Center as a way to reduce medical costs. He developed a number of surgical procedures that led to less pain and much shorter recovery times for patients. Dr. Bauer introduced Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery for gall bladder disease. These procedures and the outpatient clinics are commonplace today.
Dr. Joe, the Diver, and his wife Dr. Sally Bauer, M.D., along with their busy medical careers, pursued avocations as marine biologists, SCUBA divers and diving Historians. The Bauer's' acquired the worlds largest collection of diving helmets, hand operated air pumps, armored suits, lights, accessory gear, memorabilia, prints, photographs, books, film and video. The collection represents the contributions of more than 30 countries to diving history.
After retiring, Dr. Joe & Sally devoted their time, expertise and their unique collection of historic artifacts to the development of a world class History of Diving Museum located in the Upper Florida Keys. The History of Diving Museum opened to the world in September of 2006. Dr. Joe wanted to show the world the complete story of "Man's Quest to Explore the Sea" and share this largely untold story. Dr. Joe's story begins 5000 years ago and takes you on the journey up to modern SCUBA. My favorite memory of Dr. Joe is walking the corridors of the museum telling the story of diving to me and other guests. When he spoke his eyes would light up, he became animated, passionate and his voice would explode with energy. This is how I will remember Dr. Joe.
It is rare that a man leaves a legacy that affects the world. It is far rarer still to leave two different legacies to humanity. Dr Joe not only left a legacy as a surgeon, innovator, and pioneer of medical procedures but he left the world, the story of diving. We have truly lost a great man. He was a Diver and will be sorely missed.
