Albany Technical College dedicates Dr. Walter Carl Gordon Jr. Surgical Tech Lab
ALBANY, Ga. – Albany Technical College held a special dedication ceremony today to honor Dr. Walter Carl Gordon Jr., a trailblazer in Albany’s medical community and the city’s first African American surgeon.
As part of the tribute, Albany Tech named its Surgical Technology Lab after Dr. Gordon, celebrating his life, legacy, and the profound impact he made to his community that meant so much to him.
“Well, growing up in Albany, Dr. Gordon was the only black surgeon I knew. And, he was such a pillar in the community. I heard such great things about him. I walk past his office and, often on my way to school and often wonder, if I could be a surgeon like Dr. Gordon. And, so, from afar, he inspired me greatly,” said Dr. Leon Dent, MD, Medical Director, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Gordon broke barriers as the first African American to serve as Chief of Staff at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. He also served with distinction, Commanding Medical Battalions during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Throughout his life, he helped countless individuals, with his expertise paving the way for future generations.
“I’m a person like my father who was based on faith. He had a vision for Albany, and he came home to execute that vision. A lot of people did not understand after he left, why he came home. They wanted him to stay in California. He said, no, my community needs me. Because my father was always gone. He was always in the emergency room. He was always seeing about somebody else. And, for a little girl, that was kind of hard you know? But, I realized as an adult. I missed out on having my father’s there. So, somebody else could have theirs,” said Tia Gordon, daughter, Dr. Gordon.
The Surgical Lab dedicated to Dr. Gordon will be housed in the Healthcare Technology Building, serving as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Gabe Hutton reporting.
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