John Serocki, MD, an orthopedic surgeon who practiced at Yuma (Ariz.) Regional Medical Center and San Diego-based Scripps Memorial Hospital, died Wednesday in a small plane crash commuting to work, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The plane, which Dr. Serocki was flying, crashed around 6:30 a.m. shortly after takeoff. The 61-year-old orthopedic surgeon planned to fly from San Diego to Yuma. Dr. Serocki's brother said he had been commuting to work in Yuma via airplane for years.
"Today we have lost an exceptional physician, colleague and friend, a man who dedicated his life and career to caring for patients," said Bharat Magu, MD, CMO at Yuma Regional Medical Center, in a statement. "Dr. Serocki was an outstanding physician who genuinely cared for people. His compassion and kind nature will be deeply missed."
Dr. Serocki earned his medical degree from Chicago-based Northwestern University Medical Center and later became an orthopedic surgeon. He practiced medicine for 25 years and was also a member of Doctors Without Borders.
No one on the ground was injured and Dr. Serocki was the only person on board.