Born in Scotland, Graham Lister studied medicine at the University of Glasgow and served in the Royal Navy. He trained in general surgery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, plastic surgery at Canniesburn Hospital and hand and microsurgery with Harold Kleinert in Kentucky. At the age of 37 he immigrated to the United States. A professor of three surgical specialties he was President of the American Societies of Reconstructive Microsurgery and for Surgery of the Hand. He lectured and operated in over 35 countries worldwide. In retirement, amongst other pursuits, he wood carves and is a volunteer worker with Habitat for Humanity.