Today is National Orthopaedic Technician Day –a time to recognize the outstanding professionals who are the backbone of our practice. We are thankful for our orthopaedic technicians who provide our patients with excellent, compassionate, and thoughtful daily care. Our technicians are critical in patient care, often caring for the most vulnerable people (think about a child getting a cast removed).

The annual U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) rankings came out today. I am delighted to report that Orthopaedics at Duke University Hospital remained ranked first in the southeast U.S., second amongst the ranked specialties at Duke University Hospital (first among the specialties using data for ranking rather than reputation only), and No. 22 overall.   

Please join me in congratulating Alison Toth, MD, on her Duke University Health System (DUHS) Board of Directors appointment.

Please join me in congratulating our Pediatric Ortho Team for Duke Children’s ranking in U.S. News and World Report. Duke Ortho ranked No. 23 – 20 places higher than the year before!

We are thankful for every department member and appreciate the commitment and excellence they bring daily. Whether you have been at Duke one day or for more than 50 years, we are proud to have these individuals on the Duke Orthopaedic Surgery team. Congratulations to the employees receiving milestone years of service recognition this year.

In celebration of Administrative Professionals Day, we are sending a note of appreciation for the outstanding work provided by our administrative professionals in taking the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery to greater heights. Without your hard work and dedication, we could not achieve what we accomplish each day. You work together with the utmost commitment to make every facet of the department work cohesively, which is no small feat.    You are the backbone of our department, and your efforts are crucial to our success today and every day.  

You are invited to attend the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery's yearly Departmental Research Day on May 2, where faculty and chief residents highlight their research through interactive podium presentations.  Postdoctoral research fellows/associates, undergraduate research students, medical/DPT/OTD or graduate research students, and residents/fellows will also present posters throughout the event. 

Today is the 90th Doctor's Day, celebrated on the anniversary of Dr. Crawford W. Long’s first surgery under anesthesia in Jefferson, Georgia. His work balanced the science and art of medicine and led to a significant advance in care. He did not publish his results for seven years.

We are excited to welcome our incoming orthopaedic residents. They are exceptional applicants with backgrounds and interests that will enrich our program. We are proud to have them as part of our team, and we look forward to training with them to be the best orthopaedic surgeons and future leaders in our field.  Congratulations to: