A New York City Native who was first educated at the St. George’s Church Boys School in Barbados; he attended the Combermere school. Later, he received The University of Cambridge ( England) Certificate of Matriculation to London University.  The City College of NY awarded him with a B.S. degree with honors in 1954. During his time at the City College of NY, he was an assistant of biology. Then, he was admitted to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia where he received his M. D. degree in 1959. After graduation, he entered their residency program which he completed in 1966. After completion, he was appointed as a faculty member to their department of surgery.

 Throughout his career, he gained membership of The American College of Surgeons, The New York Surgical Society, The New York Academy of Medicine, The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. He helps to found the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery and the members elected him as president in 1983. In 1979, Columbia University Awarded him with its Alumni Medal for Conspicuous Service to the University as well as its Medal for Meritorious Medical Service in 1982. Currently, he is a member of the board of trustees of the Berkely Divinity School at Yale University and he has been the president of the Columbia University Medical Alumni Association.

Kenneth Forde Has recognized the importance of surgical endoscopy to surgery teaching programs, its value as a diagnostic tool, and its implications for hospital practice. He has authored four chapters in textbooks, forty-three papers in refereed journals, and assisted the preparation of educational materials involving surgical endoscopy. In collaboration wth his colleagues, he has presented scientific exhibits at national meetings. Since he recognized early the importance of surgical endoscopy, he is a speaker in high demand in this area.