For the past 35 years, Dr. Volker Kropp has been a prominent figure at Parkland Medical Center. Through his character and wisdom he earned universal respect and admiration from all who encountered him throughout the years. His consistent dedication to knowledge, leadership and service has been instrumental to the growth and development of not only our hospital but also the people he touched along the way. It’s increasingly rare to see such stability and devotion to one place for so long; and having spent nearly half his life in Derry is even more remarkable considering how he got here.
Born in Berlin during World War II, Volker Kropp moved throughout Germany during his early years. At the age of 7 he relocated to South America where his father had previously resided after the 1st World War. They settled in a German community within Chile. During our conversation Volker recalled an enjoyable childhood with a passion for the outdoors inspired by his father. Academically, he grew to love science and was intrigued with biochemistry. He credits a high school girlfriend who encouraged medical school; he pursued that path and remained in Chile for his education. His studies led him “on a wonderful journey of discovery” and he “was lapping it up” along the way. Many of his clinical professors had trained in the U.S. so he was connected and drawn to the research coming from institutions such as Harvard. Upon graduating Med School Dr. Kropp was ready to leave for U.S. training but after a younger brother’s unexpected death he decided to stay home and support his family. Until the family was stable he trained locally in pathology and surgery; two years passed and he eventually made it to Boston where he spent five years in general surgery training at teaching hospitals affiliated with Harvard and Boston University.
Dr. Kropp met his wife (a Brooklyn, NY native), completed his training and convinced her to try Chile … one year later they were back in New England where Dr. Kropp joined a private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After a couple years he was recruited to Derry shortly after HCA took over management of the hospital with plans for a new facility underway. That was in 1980 and the rest, as they say, is history. But with such a storied past and particularly tough start (Dr. Kropp was literally the only surgeon shortly after arriving in Derry and did not leave town for nearly two years) why did he stay? There were many benefits, he says. For one, he lived only minutes from the hospital and despite being on call 100% of the time for many years he was able to see his wife and children regularly. He often went home for lunch – something he says would not have been possible in Boston. Additionally, his childhood love for the outdoors remained (and remains) strong…“this is New Hampshire”, he says, pointing to the many outdoor opportunities the state conveniently offers.
Dr. Kropp spent nearly his entire professional career with unwavering dedication to Parkland Medical Center. It’s fitting that we dedicate a piece of Parkland Medical Center to him. At his retirement celebration last week we announced the official name change of our newest meeting space: the ‘Volker Kropp Board Room’.
Dr. Volker Kropp with his wife, Antonia “Toni” Kropp during the hospital celebration of his retirement. Dr. Kropp holds the plaque that will reside outside the Volker Kropp Board Room. Both here and in our interview he was sure to acknowledge Toni and her significant and vital role supporting him and their family throughout his career.
Dr. Kropp’s story is a fascinating one and he’s the type of person I would have enjoyed many more hours speaking with about his perspective and experience regarding many issues and world events. His perspective on lessons learned through his career and advice for future medical professionals stands out and resonates in so many ways. It’s beautifully said and articulated only the way Dr. Kropp can:
On lessons his work life has taught him –
“Relationships with patients are an irreplaceable part of being a physician. The personal recognition that you will be there through it all creates a unique bond and trust. I was educated by my patients and it changed me as a person. It’s the greatest gift and it can transform you if you accept the trust and friendships that your patients offer”
On advice you would give a young healthcare professional to make the most of their career –
“Know who you are treating . . . as a person. Realize and accept the enormous responsibility of being a physician or clinician but also realize it comes with gifts. If you act accordingly and make those sacrifices it will change your life for the better.”
Perfect.
And thank you Dr. Kropp. On behalf of everyone at Parkland Medical Center we wish you the best and sincerely appreciate your dedication and service.
Thank you, Peggy and team, for going the extra mile. I hope everyone has a greater appreciation for the opportunity we have with regard to food waste and for what your team at Parkland is proactively doing about it.
Connected With Chris 