People: William O. Wuester, MD

William O. Wuester, MD was one of the notable physicians who made Elizabeth General Hospital a center of excellence, particularly as it related to cancer care. This article appeared in the Elizabeth Daily Journal's Evening Edition on May 7, 1975 after Dr. Wuester retired.

Dr. Wuester: Compassion, Quest For Perfection
A quest for perfection, a compassion for his fellow man, a skilled pair of hands, a great interest in anatomy and a retentive memory are some of the reasons for the success story of Dr. William Otto Wuester of 240 Exeter Way, Hillside.

Dr. Wuester, who has retired from clinical medicine after a 42-year career as an oncologist (cancer specialist) recalls "being fascinated with our family physician's black bag" and deciding "at a young age" to become a doctor.

Dr. Wuester is the former director of the James S. Green Memorial Tumor Clinic at the Elizabeth General Hospital and Dispensary and the Wuester Tumor Clinic in Elizabeth. He was attending surgeon in the division of malignant and allied diseases at Elizabeth General.

In 1929, he received a bachelor of arts degree from New York University and in 1933 his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College, Ithaca, N.Y.

While at Cornell, he developed an interest in cancer through his association with Dr. James Ewing, professor of pathology and a renowned specialist in cancer. He studied at Memorial Hospital for Cancer (now Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) for four years as an assistant resident surgeon, resident surgeon and fellow prior to being appointed the first director of the James S. Green Memorial Tumor Clinic at Elizabeth General.

"A master surgeon, an innovator and a fine administrator," are the words used by Dr. Joseph P. Greeley, chief pathologist at Elizabeth General in describing Dr. Wuester.

Dr. Wuester was the first physician in the area to perform many difficult and complex surgical procedures, such as an oleo bladder, a laryngectomy, a radical neck and jaw and a pneumonectomy.

Recognizing his talents, the American Cancer Society in 1949 awarded Dr. Wuester its highest honor for service within a state: the bronze medal.

In 1945, he was one of the founders of the New Jersey Division of the American Cancer Society. As an active member he has held countless positions in this organization, including membership on the national board.

His reputation as one, or the outstanding oncologist in New Jersey spread rapidly and he became a consultant to many hospitals.

"I have been a perfectionist to the point of being obnoxious, and my perfection has been a pain in the rear to some," he said. "But it did not bother me to be that way if I could achieve my goals as a physician."

George F. Billington, president of Elizabeth General, commented: "His rare medical ability brought extremely high quality in surgical practice to the hospital. He is an impressive, complex man who works tirelessly to raise funds to combat cancer."

An older, experienced nurse once told Billington, "Dr. Wuester has the gift of God in his hands. He is the best surgeon I have ever seen."

This information was last reviewed or updated on February 12, 2026. Adjustments may be made to this page as new information is added, making this a continual work in progress.