"The more behind we get in our work, the better" –Roy Breen, colorectal surgeon

​Beloved Innovations Team member Dr Roy Breen has retired from clinical practice after >30 years (7 years with FSIE)
Roy Eugene Breen, III, MD was born in Bethesda Navy Hospital in Maryland to Captain Roy Eugene Breen, II and Winifred Breen, the only son with five sisters.  Since his father was a navy man, he moved every two years and attended three high schools.  He was a lifeguard in high school and college.
He was a dedicated surgical trainee known for going the extra mile literally. Rumor has it that he once walked 6 miles from Nonna Emilia’s Restaurant in Aloha to St. Vincent hospital, spent the night at the hospital only to walk 5 miles through the hills of Portland to Good Samaritan Hospital the next day.  Those were the days! After completing his surgical residency at OHSU in 1985, Roy stayed in Portland Oregon as he transitioned from general surgeon to colorectal specialist while in private practice. He joined The Oregon Clinic in 2008 and retires as one of the city's best known and loved colorectal surgeons.
Dr. Breen would always keep his patients “entertained” by talking to them about movies, books, actors, places he visited, countries, cities, restaurants, family, etc., etc., while performing their hemorrhoid treatments and exams. Many of Dr. Breen’s patients enjoyed the picture of the ponies hanging on the wall and always got to hear the famous story of the Chincoteague Pony Run, the story of his wife’s grandfather taking that picture and its history. 
One of the most endearing qualities about Roy is his sense of humor.  While colorectal surgeons are generally known for being pretty funny, Roy’s ability to make patients laugh despite the often awkwardness of their predicament is appreciated and will definitely be missed. For example, Roy would commonly suggest that the patient get comfortable and “just lay on your left side so you can fall asleep” as if that were really possible. Once in position, Roy would carefully inspect their hemorrhoids and if the patient had been there before, he would excitedly exclaim “Oh, now I remember you!”. Occasionally, the use of cautery was necessary which would produce a distinct burning smell. Once a patient commented that it smelled like something was burning and Dr. Breen replied, “burnt rump roast”. Ba da da.
Despite being called “Dr. Bean”, “Dr. Brem” and “Dr. Green”, Roy’s patients loved him dearly. One even asked to “send the FBI” to find him one day when he was out. His partners too will miss his energy, many techniques, knowledge and wisdom on the daily! But they will always be reminded of him whenever they ask for “Roy’s special bug juice” or use the famous “Breen-O-Scope” (a special unlighted anoscope) that lives on.                                       
Congratulations on a fabulous career, Roy! We wish you a long and relaxing retirement with Nancy, the kids and the grandkids!  You deserve it! Even though it is August, we can’t help but say “Happy New Rear!”

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