ABSTRACT
AJter finishing an internship in 1942, Lillehei answered the call for his services in World War II with the mobile Army Surgical Unit that he commanded with honors. He received a Bronze Star upon completion of his tour of duty. In 1946, Lillehei began his surgical residency under Chief of Surgery Wangensteen. At the University Hospital, he was able to work with the noted surgical teachers whom Dr. Wangensteen had so creatively assembled. Dennis and Varco in surgery and Visscher in physiology were frequent communicators with the upcoming surgeon. The university atmosphere was highly conducive for innovative work. Lillehei thrived in this positively charged creative environment.
