World-renowned surgeon who separated Siamese twins died of coronavirus

James Goodrich, 73, the world-famous neurosurgeon who managed to separate American twins Jadon and Anias McDonald, died yesterday after complications from the coronavirus. “He was a beacon for our institution and will be missed very much,” said the New York Hospital, where he worked for over 30 years.

In 2016, Goodrich led a team of forty doctors who were able to separate the twins Anias and Jadon after a long, but mainly very delicate operation. It was an example of top surgery because the heads of the then 13-month-old twins had grown together. The process lasted no less than 27 hours.

In 2004, Goodrich already managed to separate the Filipino twins’, Carl and Clarence Aguirre. That operation was also a feat.

Colleagues respond

Montefiore Medical Center called Goodrich, a pioneer in the treatment of children with complex neurological disorders. “Jim was in many ways, the heart, and soul of our department – a top surgeon, a world-class teacher, and a beloved colleague to everyone.”

“His sudden loss is heartbreaking, and he will always be on our minds,” said a Goodrich colleague. Still, according to the accused hospital staff, Goodrich was a “humble and genuinely caring man” who “was not longing for the limelight and loved by his colleagues and staff”.