VA HJR258

Donald MacLean Switz, M.D., a gastroenterologist who pioneered surgical endoscopy in Virginia, died on January 19, 2026, and is honored by this joint resolution

Served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, treating wounded Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Worked at the Medical College of Virginia (now VCU School of Medicine) for 35 years as a faculty member, retiring as professor emeritus in 2005

Contributed to a major clinical study of Crohn's disease and helped establish the VCU Medical Center at Stony Point to expand healthcare access south of the James River

Provided leadership to the Richmond Academy of Medicine and served on the boards of Sheltering Arms Hospital and Westminster Canterbury