Sten-Erik Olsson: A memorable encounter (#355)

In 1986, I had the privilege of speaking at a distinguished veterinary conference in Lund, Sweden, dedicated to the intricacies of canine neurology and neurosurgery.

This gathering was not just an academic rendezvous but also an opportunity to engage with legends in veterinary medicine. Among the luminaries were Professor Sten-Erik Olsson, an esteemed researcher and orthopedic surgeon, and Professor Joe P. Morgan, a pioneering figure in veterinary radiology. Their groundbreaking work on intervertebral disc disease in dogs provided the backbone for many discussions that both illuminated and challenged contemporary understandings.

The conference culminated in a formal black-tie banquet, a setting that was both grand and intimidating, where the exchange of ideas from the week was celebrated with finesse.

The ambiance of the evening was a blend of scholarly camaraderie and the solemnity of a gathering of minds striving for medical advancements.

During the conference, I presented lectures that ventured into some controversial territory that predated the advent of sophisticated diagnostic tools like CT or MRI. This lecture sparked a spirited debate, particularly with Professors Olsson and Morgan. Being challenged by such distinguished experts in front of a full auditorium was daunting; I felt as though I was defending my doctoral thesis all over again, a trial by fire that tested my resolve and depth of knowledge.

The banquet provided a dramatic yet heartwarming conclusion to the week’s tensions. Professor Sten-Erik Olsson, the evening's speaker, called me to the podium to present me with a gift wrapped in mystery and historical significance - a copy of his doctoral thesis. As I unwrapped the gift, the room filled with anticipation.

At Professor Olsson’s request, I read the title aloud, “On Disc Protrusion in the Dog.”

This felt like an echo of our earlier discussions. But it was his next question that caught me off guard:

“And what year was it written?” he asked.

“1951,” I replied after searching for the publication date of the thesis.

“Yes, Rick,” he boomed, “the year you were born!”

This revelatory moment drew thundering laughter and applause, brilliantly weaving my own history into the legacy of veterinary science.

That night, what began as a scholarly challenge turned into an unforgettable gesture of respect and collegiality. Sten-Erik’s gift and his words were not just a playful put-down but a rite of passage into a circle of esteemed colleagues. Our friendship, which began with a spirited academic exchange, lasted until his passing in 2000.

Reflecting on the week, the conference was more than just a gathering; it was a profound journey through the complexities of canine neurology, enriched by the presence of pioneers in the field. It reminded me that in the world of veterinary medicine, courage in discourse and the willingness to explore controversial areas are what lead to true progress and lasting friendships.

As I left Lund, I carried with me not just Professor Sten-Erik’s thesis but a renewed inspiration to pursue knowledge fearlessly, just as he and Dr. Joe P. Morgan have shown throughout their legendary careers.

Postscript

As Jackie my wife and I were checking out of the hotel the following morning, a curious sight caught our attention. A white jacket being handed over to the laundry staff for dry cleaning. What made it noteworthy was the unmistakable imprint of a woman's lips on the lapel, highlighted by the bright shade of lipstick. A shade that matched my wife’s lipstick exactly.

Apparently, the previous evening, during a waltz with Sten-Erik, my wife had stumbled slightly, resulting in her unintentionally leaving this vibrant mark on Professor Olsson’s jacket.

Karma perhaps?

Throughout the years of our friendship with Sten-Erik, this amusing incident remained our little secret, never mentioned but always remembered with a smile.

Suggested Reading

Morgan JP: Sten-Erik Olsson. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 41(6): 581-582, 2000. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2000.tb01891.x

#bunyipsbooksbeyond