Dr. Thomas C. Calcaterra. Photo: Jessie Cowan
Dr. Thomas C. Calcaterra, professor emeritus of surgery, died October 1, 2021. He was 84 years old. A UCLA faculty member for more than 35 years, Dr. Calcaterra was one of the founders of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery. In 2019, Dr. Calcaterra and his wife established the Thomas C. Calcaterra, M.D., Chair in Head and Neck Surgery.
He trained more than 175 surgeons, and is remembered as a “great mentor for many residents and faculty at UCLA and around the globe,” said Dr. Maie St. John (RES ’05), chair of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery and holder of the endowed chair that bears Dr. Calcaterra’s name.
“Through his work and generosity, Dr. Calcaterra shaped our future, that of numerous mentees and innumerable patients.” His numerous awards included the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Award of Merit and the American Laryngological Association deRoaldes Award. He authored more than 220 published papers and more than 20 books.
Dr. Calcaterra is survived by his wife, Ellen, and several grandchildren.
