April 12, 2018
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Drs. David and Mary Zamierowski, Overland Park, have been named by the Johnson County Community College Foundation as the Johnson Countians of the Year for 2018. David, a retired plastic surgeon, and Mary, a PhD biochemist, have dedicated their retirement years to supporting healthcare education across the Kansas City area and around the globe.
“The Zamierowskis are a brilliant and compassionate team”, said Dr. Joe Sopcich, JCCC president. “They served others throughout their medical careers and continue in retirement to have a profound impact in our region and around the globe.”
The couple met at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the fall of 1967. David was a senior medical student and Mary was a first-year graduate student in biochemistry. David proposed three weeks after they met, and the couple married over spring break. This year in late March, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
After internship, David served two years in the Army during which time he twice earned the Bronze Star for Achievement in Vietnam. He then completed surgical residencies becoming doubly boarded in plastic and general surgery and later obtained certification as a wound care specialist. Following his residency training, the couple established a successful 25-year plastic surgery practice in Johnson County and raised their daughters, Amy and Nancy.
David also founded the Wound Care Centers of Kansas City and became a prolific physician inventor, holding more than 50 patents on medical products, particularly surface dressings and surgical wound devices. In retirement he became very interested in simulation education, beginning with his volunteering at JCCC School of Nursing. With the introduction of the V.A.C. external wound dressing in 1995, launch of the Prevena surgical incision dressing in 2009, and most recently the SAFingerStick® glucose testing simulation kit that JCCC markets, David is part of a very elite group of physician inventors who have had patents on more than one commercially successful product.
Since retirement in 2003, the Zamierowskis have continued to use their skills and expertise to support education and healthcare initiatives in Kansas City and around the world in places such as Las Pintas, Mexico and Gulu, Uganda. Local entities such as the Medical Mission Foundation, Rockhurst University, Shawnee Mission Health, the University of Kansas Medical Center and the University of Kansas Hospital have all benefitted from their leadership and support. This is all in addition to their transformational involvement at Johnson County Community College over the last 15 years.
“David and Mary are the epitome of community leaders,” said Mary Birch, president of the JCCC Foundation. “Simply put, their passion and generosity have allowed our students and faculty to learn things, go places and market innovations we never before thought possible.”
The Zamierowskis will be honored at the JCCC Foundation’s 32nd annual Some Enchanted Evening gala on November 10, 2018, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Some Enchanted Evening is a black-tie event that includes a gourmet dinner, entertainment and dancing. Proceeds from the event support student scholarships at JCCC. Over the past 32 years, the Foundation has raised nearly $8 million for the college’s scholarship program through Some Enchanted Evening.
“The timing of this honor is particularly special in that we learned the Zamierowskis were married the same year the college opened,” said Dr. Jerry Cook, chairman of the JCCC Trustees. “It’s quite fitting we will celebrate our 50th anniversary together with this outstanding couple who so clearly embodies our mission of inspiring learning to transform lives and strengthen communities.”
Through events like Some Enchanted Evening, the JCCC Foundation has helped thousands of students pursue their dreams of a college education. Students with exceptional needs, such as single parents and displaced workers, and talented students in all areas of study benefit from Foundation scholarships.
Jon and Christi Stewart, Lake Quivira, are chairs for the 2018 Some Enchanted Evening gala.
Past Johnson Countians of the Year are Mark Gilman, 2017; Adam Hamilton, 2016; Mary Davidson Cohen, 2015; Dr. Gary Morsch, 2014; Lynn Mitchelson, 2013; Audrey Langworthy, 2012; David Wysong, 2010; Terry and Peggy Dunn, 2009; Fred Logan, 2008; Dick and Barbara Shull, 2007; Norman and Elaine Polsky, 2006; Ed Eilert, 2005; Robert D. Regnier, 2004; Walter Hiersteiner, 2003; Mary Birch, 2002; Drue Jennings, 2001; Betty Keim, 2000; Steve Rose, 1999; Charles J. Carlsen, 1998; George and Floriene Lieberman, 1997; Dick Bond, 1996; William Dunn, 1995; Adele Hall, 1994; SuEllen Fried, 1993; James P. Sunderland, 1992; Stan and Shirley Rose, 1991; John H. Robinson, 1990; Paul H. Henson, 1989; Ben Craig, 1988; and Robert H. Meneilly, 1987. In 2011, all previous Johnson Countians of the Year were honored for the 25th anniversary of Some Enchanted Evening.
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