The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery recently celebrated the dedication of the pediatric waiting room at Duke Orthopaedics Arringdon, honoring Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Douglas Fitch for his extraordinary contributions to pediatric orthopaedics at Duke and across North Carolina.
As the majority of pediatric orthopaedic care transitioned from Lenox Baker Children's Hospital to the Arringdon Clinic, department leaders prioritized creating a welcoming, child-friendly environment for patients and families. As part of that effort, the newly renovated pediatric waiting room was named the Dr. Fitch Dino Lounge in recognition of Dr. Fitch's lasting impact on pediatric orthopaedic care, education and service.
The space features a portrait of Dr. Fitch and a commemorative plaque highlighting his remarkable career. Recruited to Duke as a student-athlete, Dr. Fitch went on to earn his medical degree and complete his orthopaedic surgery residency at Duke before pursuing fellowship training in pediatric orthopaedics. Returning to Duke in 1983 as the institution's first fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, he became an internationally recognized leader in the field, caring for children with complex musculoskeletal disorders and mentoring generations of orthopaedic surgeons.
Faculty and staff from Orthopaedic Surgery, Arringdon, Physical Therapy, members of the Fitch family, colleagues from across the health system, and representatives of the Lenox Baker Foundation gathered for the dedication ceremony. During the event, Dr. Lark reflected on Dr. Fitch's distinguished career and the profound impact he has had on patients, trainees and colleagues throughout more than five decades of service to Duke.
The dedication serves as a lasting tribute to Dr. Fitch's legacy of excellence, compassion and commitment to improving the lives of children and families.