Sometimes, in this business, great stories just sort of fall into your lap. And we landed a whopper while tallying the winners for this year’s “Top Doctors” cover story: superstar surgeons Vance and Vince Moss, 37-year-old twin brothers based out of Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Vance is our winner in the Urological Surgery category, while Vince was voted among the best in Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Initially, we’d planned a short profile for Vance and a directory listing for Vince. Then we got wind of what these two had accomplished outside the OR. Conveniently enough, their stunning resume of extracurricular selflessness and generosity was promptly delivered to our e-mail inboxes via
the twins’ New York City PR firm.
Former Eagle Scouts and majors in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, the Moss brothers ventured deep into Afghanistan to help men, women and children in need of treatment—largely fending for themselves in hostile Al-Qaeda territory. They’d asked for military help, but were denied when the mission was deemed too risky.
Handling a range of procedures, from appendectomies to colon resections, they cared for as many as 400 patients in their 2005 trip alone. The two returned a year later for more of the same, funding both missions themselves. Read more about their work in senior editor Tara Behan’s story on page 90, which features exclusive photos from Afghanistan.
Aside from the many honors they’ve received—including the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and ABC World News Tonight’s Person(s) of the Week—the Moss brothers now have an “in” at the White House, where they’ve been guests of President Bush. White House staffers have requested a copy of this issue, so the Bushes can read about their favorite top surgeons. Naturally, we’ll be happy to oblige.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: All the financial upheaval of late has cast a bit of a pall over the holiday season. But the area’s deserving charities are hoping you won’t forget about them this year. Give a little, give a lot, give whatever you can. Most importantly, give consistently. As associate editor Dawn E. Warden explains in this month’s “Main Line Philanthropy” package, continued giving is what most nonprofits want, not just a one-off donation. And to keep you motivated in these trying times, we’ve profiled a few generous souls whose stories should inspire you to dig a little deeper. You’ll also find a list of some of our favorite local charities (hint, hint).
Enjoy the season.
