Ralph M. Waters and Swedish anesthesiology

Swedish anesthesiology is greatly indebted to the preeminent American anesthesiologist, and first professor of anesthesiology in the world, Ralph M. Waters. It was in part because of the influence and teaching of this great pioneer that modern anesthesiology became firmly established in Sweden. Approximately 60 residents were trained by Dr. Waters. They later became chairmen of their own university departments of anesthesia and preached and practiced the Waters gospel of professionalism in academic anesthesiology. Among these were four Swedes: Olle Friberg, Eric Nilsson, Karl-Gustav Dhunér, and the author. Through these Swedish pioneers and their numerous disciples, Waters had a profound influence on the development of Swedish anesthesia. The author reports his personal memories from his contact with Ralph Waters.