Dr. Neal Van Ness, a well-known surgeon in the area, passed away Wednesday afternoon.
Van Ness joined the KCH medical staff as a general surgeon in 1991 and practiced at Warsaw Surgical Specialties, which he established.
He was most recently employed by KCH since 2006 and worked with Dr. Patrick Ilada and Dr. Thomas Haney.
He was an active member of the KCH medical staff serving most recently as Cancer Care Committee and Tumor Board chair, KCH Board of Directors member, Physician Leadership Group member and Surgery/Anesthesia Committee member.
"Neal was a very integral part of the KCH family. During his 18 years of performing surgery at KCH, patients have expressed that his technical skill and bedside manner were both excellent and meaningful to his patients and their family members. Personally, he saved my father's life and for that I will always be grateful," said Stephen R. Miller, CEO at KCH.
Van Ness graduated from Murray State University in Kentucky with a degree in biology in 1982. He then went on to medical school at the University of Louisville where he graduated in 1986.
