Dr. Ryan will be remembered for his surgical expertise, love for research and passion for quality. His ability to make others feel valued, inspired and supported left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to meet him.

Legacy of leadership

Dr. Ryan earned his medical degree at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in 1977. He completed an internship and surgical residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Parkland Hospital.

After a cardiothoracic surgery residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Ryan began his cardiothoracic surgery practice in Dallas-Fort Worth in 1984. A founding member of Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano, he held several administrative appointments, including chief of surgery, chief quality officer and member of the board of managers.

His long-standing commitment to the development of Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital helped build it into an internationally recognized hospital. He guided the cardiac surgery program to join the nation’s top 1% for quality, according to data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

“He was an outstanding surgeon, a great mentor, a true gentleman, a great friend,” said colleague Jose Rivera, MD.

Far-reaching impact

Dr. Ryan was involved in several professional organizations, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association and Society of Heart Valve Disease. He received many awards, including D Magazine Best Doctor and Texas Monthly Super Doc.

He was also active in research to advance the practice of cardiothoracic surgery, including serving as co-director of research at Baylor Scott & White Heart – Plano. His contributions included dozens of peer-reviewed publications focused on TAVR, the Ross procedure and CABG. He was instrumental in adopting and leading minimally invasive cardiac surgery in our region.

“People like Will cannot be replaced,” colleague William Shutze, MD, said. “His absence has been felt very strongly since he retired and will be for a long time.”

Beloved mentor

Dr. Ryan will be remembered as a mentor dedicated to the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons, including both his junior partners and aspiring trainees. Several of Dr. Ryan’s mentees have now taken on their own leadership roles at Baylor Scott & White Heart – Plano, carrying his leadership and mentorship into the future. This includes faculty surgeons training current residents and fellows, one of whom is annually awarded the Dr. William Ryan Teaching Award in recognition of their dedication to teaching young surgeons in the model of Dr. Ryan.

“I know many of us wouldn’t be here without him,” colleague Molly Szerlip, MD, said. “I learned more from him than anyone. He will always be the person that I strive to be.”

Role model for all

Known for his deep commitment to colleagues, patients, family and friends, Dr. Ryan genuinely cared about those around him. From letting his kids dress him in mismatched clothes for work to humbly sharing his wisdom with up-and-coming surgeons, Dr. Ryan modeled kindness, integrity and compassion. As colleague Jodie Hurwitz, MD, said, he was “a true role model in all walks of life.”

After a long battle with cancer, Dr. Ryan passed away at the age of 73 on Aug. 27, 2024. His legacy of compassion, education and excellence will persist through his patients, colleagues and cherished friends.

“Dr. Ryan was more than a world-class surgeon; he was a person of deep kindness and unwavering integrity,” colleague Zuyue Wang, MD, said. “He genuinely cared about seeing others thrive, always offering his wisdom with patience. Dr. Ryan will be deeply missed, but the light he brought into our lives will never fade.”