October 2016 Vol. 18 Issue 9
ECHO STORIES AND NEWS FROM THE HSS FAMILY
Dr. Wilson’s Legacy
W
e were saddened by the loss of
in education and serving as a role model and
Dr. Philip Wilson, Jr. in June, but his
inspiration for young, aspiring orthopedic surgeons.
legacy lives on. His influence on Hospital
“He was always even-tempered and fair,” recalls
for Special Surgery’s evolution into the premier
John P. Lyden, M.D., who completed his residency
center for orthopedic care, research and training
at HSS in 1972. “He was also outgoing and promoted
continues to be felt today. His leadership and vision
a sense of camaraderie among the residents and
helped transform HSS from an institution of local
fellows with social gatherings, such as Golf and Tennis
recognition into one of international acclaim.
Day, and annual events, such as Alumni Day and its
“Dr. Wilson had a vision for the Hospital that has
associated get-togethers, that still take place today.”
now been fulfilled,” said Charles Cornell, M.D., clinical
The year he became surgeon-in-chief, Dr. Wilson was
director of Orthopedic Surgery at HSS, who knew
also elected president of the American Academy of
Dr. Wilson well over several decades. “He foresaw
Orthopaedic Surgeons. On April 12, 1982, Newsweek
HSS as becoming the premier orthopedic hospital
ran an article titled “Engineering New Hips” featuring
in the country, and much of his life was dedicated
Dr. Wilson and his photo. Despite his outstanding
to accomplishing that.”
national reputation, he never sought personal renown
Dr. Cornell and countless other members of the
and retained his humble demeanor, according to
HSS family remember Dr. Wilson as a leader in
those who knew him.
orthopedics, an outstanding physician, an innovator,
His vision for the future of HSS led him to recruit
a mentor and a generous friend and colleague. He
outstanding doctors, emphasize the finest care
was a highly skilled surgeon, yet never lost sight of
and compassion for patients, provide strong support
the human and personal side of patient care.
for clinical research and maintain the highest ethical
“He had a beautiful way about him in dealing with
standards. He recognized the importance of “best
patients; a calm, reasonable way that put them at
practices” in medicine before the concept became
Dr. Wilson encouraged Dr. Levine to go to California
ease,” said Russell Warren, M.D., former surgeon-in-
widespread. That meant introducing new methods
to receive additional training in surgical techniques
chief who was appointed by Dr. Wilson to run the HSS
to prevent infections in the operating room,
to treat scoliosis in patients who had polio and
Shoulder Service in 1977. “He was a great educator in
improvements in anesthesia and an emphasis
developed serious pulmonary problems. Dr. Wilson
terms of how to be a good doctor and a good person
on post-operative care.
himself traveled to other countries periodically to
and good to the people around you.”
Dr. Wilson understood the value of specialization
Dr. Wilson’s concern for his patients’ well-being went
in an era when general orthopedic training and
Highly respected and admired by staff, Dr. Wilson
hand in hand with his passion for advancing the field
practice were still the norm. In the 1970s and 80s,
became known as the ‘orthopedist’s orthopedic
of orthopedic surgery. In 1966, he traveled to England
he often encouraged young doctors to receive
surgeon,’ according to Dr. Levine. “When staff
to learn a new procedure that was revolutionizing
additional specialty training in orthopedic centers
members wanted advice about a patient with
surgery for painful hip arthritis. The following year,
of excellence around the country before joining the
a complicated orthopedic problem, they went to
he introduced total hip replacement to HSS, offering
staff at HSS. His foresight set the stage for HSS
Dr. Wilson. When the day ended, his door was open
new hope to countless patients with debilitating hip
to become the leading center not only for highly
and you could walk in and ask him a question.
pain whose previous options had been limited.
specialized orthopedic care, but also for residency
He was a real mentor to many of the staff in the
Dr. Wilson, who was highly skilled in performing
and fellowship training.
1960s, 70s and 80s.”
“He was a very skilled surgeon, very careful and meticulous,” recalled Dr. Levine, currently director of the Alumni Association and medical historian at HSS. “He was also very interested in education and in teaching young orthopedic residents and fellows the art and science of orthopedic surgery.”
learn about new procedures and techniques.
a wide range of orthopedic procedures, began to
Dr. Wilson’s dedication, sound judgment and surgical
Dr. Wilson had high expectations, yet treated all
specialize in hip replacement.
skills were matched by his integrity, generosity and
Hospital staff with respect. “He knew everyone, and
Dr. Wilson led the hospital as surgeon-in-chief
compassion for his patients, according to David B.
everyone was important,” said Nigel Sharrock, M.B.,
from 1972 to 1989. During this time, he also became
Levine, M.D., who trained as a first-year resident
ChB, whom Dr. Wilson recruited in 1986 to lead the
director of the residency program, fostering innovation
under Dr. Wilson.
Anesthesiology Department. “He looked after everyone with courtesy and grace. Today we use the term, ‘the HSS family,’ and that was very much his making.”
CONTINUED on page 2
Inside
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Joel Press, M.D., Joins HSS Engagement Day Lisa Colman Receives Wholeness of Life Award