Background
Hammargren, Lonnie L. was born on December 25, 1937.
Hammargren, Lonnie L. was born on December 25, 1937.
Bachelor, University Minnesota, 1958. Master of Arts in Psychological, University Minnesota, 1960. Bachelor of Science, University Minnesota, 1964.
Doctor of Medicine, University Minnesota, 1964. Master of Science in Neurosurgery, University Minnesota, 1974.
He is also known for his "eclectic collection of artifacts, including old casino signs and an Apollo space capsule."
Medical career
Hammargren is a neurosurgeon first licensed in 1971. Lonnie spent several years as a National Aeronautics and Space Administration flight surgeon. He also operated on boxer Duk Koo Kim in November 1982, following Kim"s loss to Ray Mancini.
Kim died as a result of his injuries in the fight.
Following Roy Horn"s near-fatal tiger attack in 2003, Hammargren spoke up to correct misinformation in the press about the procedure Horn (of Siegfried & Roy) had received. According to Hammargren, he gave up surgery in 2005, when the cost for his malpractice insurance was raised to $275,000/year.
In 2009, as part of a medical malpractice settlement, he agreed to give up surgery permanently, though he retained his medical license. Political career
Hammargren was Lieutenant Governor of Nevada from 1995–1999.
He lost his election bid in the primaries for that office again in 2006.
As of 2008, Hammargren was the honorary consul for Belize.
Board regents University and Community College Systems Nevada, 1988-1994. Advisory board member Governor's committee for Employment of Handicapped. Member State Board Education, 1984-1988.
Board member March of Dimes, Aid to Adoption of Special Kids. Member Spinal Cord Injury Program of Nevada (president), Cancer Society, Aerospace Medical Association, U Medical Center Rehabilitation Unit (director), University Medical Center (chairman neurosurgery department), Help Them Walk Again Foundation (National Director), Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Society (medical director), International Center for Rehabilitation Engineering (medical director), Pacific World Medical Foundation (treasurer), Paramed. and Emergency Care Board (advisory).
Married.