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The University of Michigan Health System can claim many doctors who are leaders in their fields. In July, two of the stars of pediatric orthopaedic surgery were honored. William Stanley Smith’s son, daughter−in−law and granddaughters attended the ceremony when Dr. Smith was posthumously honored with the inauguration of the William S. Smith Collegiate Professorship in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Smith served as the head of the Section of Orthopaedic Surgery from 1963 until his retirement in 1985. Dr. Robert Hensinger, professor in the U−M Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and former chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, was installed as the first Smith Professor, which seemed very fitting given their similarities.

Professional Parallels
In his remarks at the inauguration, Robert Kelch, M.D., executive vice−president of medical affairs and CEO of the University of Michigan Health System, said that both Smith and Hensinger are true Michigan men who are instrumental in the success of orthopaedic surgery. U−M Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, James Carpenter, M.D., also noted the parallels between Smith and Hensinger and commented on their love for U−M (where they both received their undergraduate degrees, attended medical school, completed residencies and chose to pursue their careers), for orthopaedics, for teaching and their caring for patients.

Dr. Hensinger has a long list of achievements—and the list is still growing. In 1980, Dr. Hensinger and his colleague Lynn Staheli launched the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. Hensinger continues to serve as editor. Hensinger is also an advisor to the U−M Athletic Department, and he has served as president of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, the Scoliosis Research Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

At the inauguration, Hensinger gave a very interesting and thought−provoking presentation that provided insight into the history of the department and some helpful strategies for future success. He encouraged those in attendance to make time for new challenges and to set their horizons beyond what they think they can achieve.

In his remarks, Hensinger mentioned several of the people who have served as his mentors, but it is clear that Hensinger has been a mentor to many doctors, and not just the ones in their residencies. Several of Hensinger‘s colleagues consider him a mentor, including the current chief of pediatric orthopaedic surgery, Frances Farley, M.D.

Dr. Hensinger and Dr. Kelch join William Stanley Smith’s granddaughter Rachel, son Fred, granddaughter Elizabeth, and daughter−in−law Maggie, at the ceremony honoring Dr. Smith with a professorship in his name.

Making an Impact
Kelch also pointed out the importance of a professorship to the past, present and future. Smith and Hensinger have already achieved lasting legacies and had a positive impact on the future. Just to hear his list of accomplishments and talk to his colleagues, it is clear that Hensinger is living his philosophy. There are no sidelines. As Clifford Craig, M.D., associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, says, "Someone like Dr. Hensinger comes along once in a millennium."

For more information about orthopaedic surgery, visit: www.med.umich.edu/ortho/about/index.htm