Dr. Julian K. Quattleman, Jr.

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Celebrating the life of
Dr. Julian K. Quattleman, Jr.January 16, 1926 - November 16, 2009

Dr. Julian K. Quattlebaum, Jr.
Beloved physician, husband, father and grandfather.

Dr. Julian Killen Quattlebaum, Jr., 83, died on November 16, 2009, at Candler Hospital.
Born in Savannah on January 16, 1926, Dr. Quattlebaum attended Charles Ellis School, Richard Arnold Jr. High School, Savannah High School, and graduated cum laude from the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. He entered the University of Georgia in September 1943 and was accepted as a member of Phi Eta Sigma freshman honor society and Sigma Chi social fraternity.
His formal education was interrupted when Dr. Quattlebaum was drafted into the Army during World War II. He served as an infantryman in the Western Pacific Theater, and as a surgical tech in the medical department after the surrender of Japan, where he was stationed in the Philippines.
In 1947, Dr. Quattlebaum returned to the University of Georgia, graduating as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honorary scholastic society in 1948. He was also a member of the Gridiron Society.
Dr. Quattlebaum graduated summa cum laude from the Medical College of Georgia in 1951 and was president of the Alpha Omega Alpha honorary scholastic society chapter there. He then pursued six years of surgical training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to general surgery, Dr. Quattlebaum's residency provided valuable experience in a wide variety of fields including plastic, head and neck, and cardiothoracic surgery. Johns Hopkins was known for its pyramid residencies in which a number of physicians began their training but only one or two progressed to the level of chief resident and completed the program. Dr. Quattlebaum became one of those prestigious few during his residency, serving as Chief Resident Surgeon from July 1956 to July 1957.
Dr. Quattlebaum next completed a one-year surgical fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota – educating himself always with a vision of bringing the benefits of that gained knowledge home to Savannah. He returned to that city in July 1957 and practiced general, cardiothoracic and laparoscopic surgery here until his retirement in July 2001.
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While practicing initially in all nine hospitals in Savannah, Dr. Julian Quattlebaum dedicated himself especially to the creation of the surgical training program at Memorial Hospital. As one of the premiere cardiac surgeons at Memorial, he trained at the National Heart Institute and then raised money in order to establish Savannah's first Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory there. He served as Chief of Surgery at Memorial from 1965 to 1967. He served also in that same capacity at Candler Hospital concurrently and for a total of ten years, as well as the State Board of Health on behalf of Governor Carl Sanders. A massive heart attack in 1967 forced a reduction in Dr. Quattlebaum's schedule; however, he continued to host a monthly Journal Club for the surgical house staff at Memorial for many years.
Among the countless innovations he oversaw, and which advanced the practice of medicine in Savannah, Dr. Quattlebaum introduced the technique of surgery under hypothermia to allow surgical interruption of blood flow during surgery, this prior to the availability of cardiopulmonary bypass. In January 1990, he performed Savannah's first laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and he was active in advancing use of the laparoscopic technique in numerous procedures of general surgery. Shortly thereafter, he performed the world's first laparoscopic removal of a common bile duct stone.
Dr. Quattlebaum was active also as an administrator: he served on the Board of Trustees of Candler Hospital, was a member of the Candler Foundation Board, and served as the Chairman of Candler's Institutional Review Board for ten years. As well, he was a member of the Georgia Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia, serving on its Professional Standards Review Organization Committee's founding committee; and he was a member of the Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Society, the First District Medical Society, the Georgia Surgical Society and the Southern Surgical Association.
On October 20, 2009, Dr. Quattlebaum received the Physician Legends of St. Joseph's/Candler Health System award for innovations defining new frontiers and greatly enhancing the quality of patient care. In his acceptance speech before the assembled medical staff, he shared highlights from his career, which began during his teenage years when he regularly assisted his father in surgery.
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Outside of the academic world, Dr. Quattlebaum was active in sports car racing. He was an enthusiast, hobbyist and historian, being Regional Executive President of the Savannah Region of the Sports Car Club of America. He held Sports Car Club of America SCCA national and Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile FIA international competition licenses and raced throughout the area, including at Daytona. He qualified twice for the interdivisional races in California and was an instructor for SCCA driving schools. He was steward for SCCA and FIA races, and he organized and participated with the medical team in several such events.
Dr. Quattlebaum was also a charter member of both the Savannah Sports Fishing Club and the German Heritage Society, of which he was a past President. He served as President of the Cotillion Club and was a member of the Savannah Yacht Club and the Oglethorpe Club. He was a member of the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church and the Seekers Sunday School class, as well as a devoted member of the Rotary Club of Savannah South.
Before and during his retirement, Dr. Quattlebaum spent time gardening and growing fruits and vegetables, including an abundance of raspberries, on his farm in Springfield, Georgia. He particularly enjoyed harvest time, when he shared his fruits and vegetables and visited with family and friends throughout the community.
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Dr. Julian K. Quattlebaum, Jr. was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Julian Killen Quattlebaum and Helen Burkhalter Quattlebaum; a sister, Helen Quattlebaum Artley; and a daughter, Christie Elaine Quattlebaum.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Ruth Allen Quattlebaum; by three sons, Julian Killen Quattlebaum III Kanittha, David Martin Quattlebaum Adrian and John Thomas Quattlebaum Louise; three daughters, Tracey Quattlebaum McMillan Gregory, Laura Quattlebaum Gower Austin and Katherine Quattlebaum Harper Benjamin; a sister, Barbara Quattlebaum Parr; and eleven grandchildren.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 17th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
On Wednesday, November 18th, a memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Isle of Hope Methodist Church following a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, please send a remembrance to the Candler Foundation, 5353 Reynolds Street, Savannah, Georgia 31405; or Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, 412 Parkersburg Road, Savannah, Georgia 31406.

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Dr. Julian Quattleman was a true down-to-earth Southern gentleman. He was known for his since of duty, sincerity, consideration of others, courage,courtesy, and honor. He possessed a great sense of humor and was a pleasure to be around. I am sure the good doctor is in heaven with his wonderful labrador retrievers. Ruth may God bless you and your family. Sincerely, Hope and Lee Lassiter

- Lee Lassiter, Savannah, GA

Ruth and family, We extend our sincere sympathy in your loss. It was a real privilege to have known and worked with Julian over the past years. He was truly a teacher and innovator in more than just surgery. I always looked forward to my occasional Candler lunch visits with Julian, Tom and Harvey. What a wonderful threesome and he will surely be missed! Speir and Pat Ramsey

- Speir N. Ramsey, savannah, GA

My God be with you and your family.Love always from your food service family from Candler Hosptial.

- Cynthia Hopkins, Savannah, GA

Thoughts and Prayers, what a great man!

- jean lockett, franklin, TN

Ruth, GINGER AND ME HAVE ALWAYS HAD THE GREATEST RESPECT FOR JULIAN. HE WAS TRULY A MEDICAL GIANT. WE WILL ASWAYS REMEMBER ALL THE THINGS HE DID FOR OUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GINGER & BUTCH

- Butch Kieffer, Springfield, GA

Ruth, I am so sorry for our loss of Julian. I cannot tell you enough about how much he has been a mentor and friend. My thoughts are with you and I am so glad I got to share some time with you both at the Candler reunion on Oct. May God bless you.

- Dr. John Fillingim, Austin, TX

Ruth, Dr. Quattlebaum was a giant in the eyes of the student nurses at Candler. We gained so much knowledge from him in the classroom and especially the operating room. I personally remember him taking the extra time in the OR to teach me how to thread a french-eye needle the way he liked it threaded. I enjoyed playing basketball for Candler when he was our coach. He had a zest for life and his enthusiasm was contagious. He will be greatly missed but always fondly remembered.

- Alberta Canady Lane, Atlanta, GA

Ruth, We are sorry for your loss. Dr JK was a very big presence at Candler and we will truly miss him. Linda Denhardt and Cathy Denhardt Cribbs

- Cathy Cribbs, Bloomingdale, GA

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Quattlebaum Family.God Bless you all. Rex &Leigh Martin

- Rex Martin, Rincon, GA

My thoughts and prayers are with the Quattlebaum family. Dr. Q will be dearly missed.

- Ruth Weimar, Savannah, GA

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Mrs. Ruth.

- Sheila Galbreath, Richmond Hill, GA

I will greatly miss Uncle J. He was so wonderful to my dad. I always loved hearing his stories about he and my dad and all the old Savannah races. He was truely a great man. I bet he and dad are telling great stories in heaven now.

- Biza, , GA

Ruth, you and your family are in my prayers. I know Julian will be sorely missed.

- Dorothy Wallace, Savannah, GA

I will be thinking about all of you and will be there in spirit. Love, Merri

- Meredith Bettencourt, Newport Coast, CA

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

- James and Amanda Neidlinger, Springfield,, GA

Ruth, My thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones. I met Dr. J back in 1967 at the old Robeling road before it was paved. I know that he will be missed by all of the car and racing nuts like myself.It has been many years since I have seen or talked to you. Again my prayers goes out to you and your family. Mitchell

- mitchell morgan, savannah, GA

Our sympathies to Julian the third and to the rest of the family.

- Robert Jystad, Long Beach, CA

Dear Ruth, I wanted you to know that when I heard about your loss I was so saddened. I remember so vividly his happy smile as he walked the halls of the “Old” and “New” Candler and how happy he was when he shared his love of Candler and of all of his family…… you and all of his children were the shining stars that made him beam. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family. Miss seeing you. Faye Sparkman-Stewart

- Faye Sparkman Stewart, Earleville, MD

Condolences

- Mr & Mrs Carl Neal, Savannah, GA

Ruth, We are so saddened to hear about Julian. He was a dear friend and will be greatly missed by all the Timms family. Our sincere sympathies.

- The Timms family, Savannah, GA

My heart goes out to all of you. Bobby

- Dr. Robert R. Howell, Savannah, GA

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and prayers. My father, Dr. Fred O. Kessler, Jr. and Dr. Quattlebaum were colleagues. I remember either his or his father's office being across the street from my father's office. I remember my father speaking of him with fondness and saying what a great physician he was.

- Judith S. Kessler, Savannah, GA

Dr. Quattlebaum was a prince of a fellow who loved his family, his friends , his church, his practice of medicine. He touched our lives in significant ways and we will ever be grateful. Farewell, dear friend! We will treasure your friendship and the much you shared with us all. Jim and Mavis Trice

- Jim and Mavis Trice, Lake Junaluska, NC