UT-Houston Resident Carries the Olympic Torch

When Dr. Tod Conner, a pediatrics resident at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, ran the Olympic Torch Run last month, he demonstrated that cancer and a leg amputation have never slowed him down.

The Austin native, who was fitted for a leg prosthesis 16 years ago when doctors removed part of his left leg to prevent cancer from spreading, carried the 3-pound torch Dec. 10 from the corner of Fannin Street and MacGregor to the Ben Taub Loop.

To the cheers of more than 100 friends, family and colleagues, Dr. Conner, 31, ran in front of Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he cares for patients at Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital, before passing the flame on to another member of the Torch Run.

Dr. Conner is among 11,500 relay team members who were chosen to carry the torch 13,500 miles through 80 cities before the Feb. 8 opening of the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

"To be a part of this with so many special people makes this really significant, and I’m proud I was able to be involved," said Dr. Conner, who volunteers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and was nominated to carry the torch by a fellow volunteer.

Dr. Conner dedicated his .2-mile run to four courageous, young patients who became his friends at M.D. Anderson before they lost their battles with cancer.

"When I learned that the theme of this year’s Torch Run was "Inspiration," the first person I thought of was Tod," said Gerry Berard, who nominated Dr. Conner to participate in the Torch Run. "He’s overcome cancer. He’s made it through medical school and is surviving his residency. He’s made a difference in the community. He makes a difference in lives, and we’re all proud of him."

Dr. Paige Turk, a chief resident of pediatrics at UT-Houston, shared Berard’s sentiments.

"He’s the perfect candidate to carry the torch," Dr. Turk said. "He always works hard and has a smile on his face. I think he really exemplifies a great resident, and he deserves this honor."

Dr. L. Maximilian Buja, dean of the UT-Houston Medical School, said the university is honored to have one of its outstanding trainees be a part of the Olympic torch’s journey through Houston to Utah.

"The ideals of peace and humanitarianism as represented by the torch are important for all of us in these times especially," Dr. Buja said.

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