Figure. David L. McCullough, MD (1938–2022).

On October 17, 2022, a true Giant in Urology, Dr David Lagarde McCullough, passed away at the age of 84 years. Dave was born on February 11, 1938 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He graduated from Lincolnton High School in North Carolina, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He then attended Davidson College on a football scholarship while maintaining excellence in the classroom, graduating cum laude in 1960 with a BS. He matriculated to the Bowman Gray School of Medicine (now Wake Forest University School of Medicine), where he received his MD in 1964. Dave then completed 2 years of general surgical training at Case Western Reserve University. He then entered the U.S. Air Force, serving 2 years as a captain, followed by a urology fellowship at Baylor University. Dr McCullough completed a urology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he trained under 2 distinguished chairmen, Wyland Leadbetter and George Prout, and with co-residents Donald Skinner and Stephen Dretler, both long-time friends of Dave and great contributors to urology as well. Dave joined the faculty at the University of California San Diego, where he was chief of urology at the Veterans Hospital. He migrated back to the Southeast, becoming chair of urology at the University of South Alabama in 1975. Dave returned to his alma mater, Wake Forest University, in 1983 to become the William H. Boyce Professor and Chair of the Department of Urology, a position which he held for 21 years.

Dave McCullough made several scholarly contributions to urology, but 2 warrant special mention. He performed seminal studies on the bio-effects of shock wave energy including its impact on reproductive biology, bone growth, and renal injury. Dave demonstrated that expanding the templates for prostate biopsies from 6 specimens to 12 significantly improved diagnostic yield, a practice that is still currently employed.

Dave’s administrative and service contributions to urology were both substantive and prolific. He was chairman of the AUA Lithotripsy Committee, where he ushered the introduction of this innovative technology into urological practice. Dave also served as director of the AUA Office of Education, implementing novel techniques for dispersing information to urology residents and practicing urologists. Dave was an officer of several important organizations including president of the Southeastern Section of the AUA, president of the American Board of Urology, and president of the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons.

Dr McCullough was a dedicated clinician who had outstanding endoscopic and open surgical technical skills which he combined with excellent judgment to provide the best care for his patients. He was definitely a “go-to surgeon.” Many trainees and faculty benefited from the exemplary high standards which he set, incorporating them into their career pathways.

Dave was a great Chair to work for, leading by example. He facilitated the careers of faculty but did not engage in the art of micromanagement. Dr McCullough was highly ethical, fair, and patient, and recognized the importance of diversity of thought and culture.

Dave McCullough deservedly received many awards during his career spanning from college to retirement. This included graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Davidson, election to Alpha Omega Alpha in medical school, receiving the Davidson College Distinguished Alumnus and AUA Hugh Hampton Young awards, and being bestowed Professor Emeritus status at Wake Forest.

Dr McCullough was a devoted family man who was married to his lovely wife Carroll for 61 years. He was preceded in death by his son David and daughter Caroline, and is survived by his wife, daughter Meredith, son Jay, and 7 grandchildren. Dave was extremely proud of his Scottish heritage. It was thus quite fitting that the chanter and drones of bagpipes were skillfully played at his memorial service!