Our History
Dr. Sherman Coleman is remembered by his peers:
Editorial Comment: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
This Symposium is dedicated to one of the great contributors to present-day knowledge of orthopaedics and pediatric orthopedics in particular, Sherman Coleman. This task is daunting because of the magnitude of his contribution. Although orthopedic surgeons by their title have always treated the disorders of children, the specialty of pediatric orthopedics is only about one generation old. During that time, small societies interested in orthopedic problems of children have enlarged and finally coalesced to form the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North American, thus identifying the specialty of pediatric orthopedics for all time. It seems, the, that an opportunity exists to review 30 years of progress in pediatric orthopedics, reflecting the contribution Sherman Coleman has made to this subject. If it is successful, it will be a lasting tribute to his contributions; I am extremely grateful to the authors who have contributed to this Symposium for all the expertise and knowledge they have provided to the subjects on which they write. I was honored to have been chosen to act as Guest Editor for this Symposium. Like so many people interested in orthopedic problems of children, I have been guided by the teachings of Sherman Coleman. As with all great teachers, his discussions of difficult problems comprise sensible decisions and advice, due to his common sense and depth of understanding of this subject. There is almost no field of orthopaedics in which he has not acted a leader. He has provided a framework not only for clinical knowledge but also for administration that others are easily able to follow and that has withstood the test of time.
I commend the readers of this edition to a review of one generation of children¿s orthopedics outlining the major contribution of Sherman Coleman.
A. Catterall, M.Chir., F.R.C.S.
London, England
Frank H. Stelling III, M.D. on Sherman Coleman: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
"I first met Sherman Coleman in 1957, soon after he had been appointed chairman of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Utah and chief of staff at the Intermountain Unit of the Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children in Salt Lake City. He was a young, attractive, highly enthusiastic, knowledgeable, intelligent and very articulate orthopaedic surgeon. He certainly had charisma and leadership ability. It was apparent he was going to be a top runner, and this initial impression has not been proved wrong.
There is no doubt that Coleman¿s interest in orthopedics is almost unsurpassable. He is more than a pediatric orthopedist; he is a complete orthopedist. Certainly, one can recognize he is one of the most respected pediatric orthopedists in the world¿ Many years ago, Will Rogers, the well-known American humorist and actor, said he had never met a man he did not like. The present author is forced to confess he has never met a person who did not like Sherman Coleman."
His sole-author textbooks on treatment of congenital hip problems and foot deformities in children remain classics in the field. His contribution to the literature of the field is notable for nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles, most as first author. In addition to his personal research efforts, he supported the development of two orthopaedic research organizations still associated with the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah, the Orthopaedic Bioengineering Laboratory, and the Bone and Joint Research Laboratory housed at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center.
Perhaps what he will be most remembered for by residents and fellows and all who found themselves a "student" of Dr. Coleman¿s, is his engaging teaching style. His weekly pathology conferences were revered as textbook examples of the Socratic method. There are orthopaedic surgeons all over the world who consider Dr. Coleman as a mentor in instruction and skillful surgical technique. Many of his former residents have commented on his superiority as a diagnostician.
Widely regarded as the consummate teacher and educator, he imparted wisdom, inspired interest, and proved himself worthy of the highest title a man of medicine can achieve, compassionate, kind and caring doctor. Despite a lofty reputation professionally as a teacher, academician, administrator, it was his ability to care on a deep personal level that defined his treatment of patients and collogues. His staff knew him to make a personal call to check on the health of a sick employee. His colleagues comment that he served as a role model for the behavior and conduct of a physician by setting the standard for personal integrity with patients, trainees, hospital personnel, professional colleagues, community leaders, and orthopedic associates throughout the world. He demonstrated dignity in every circumstance that lends credence to the Hippocratic Oath which he honored throughout his life. Today, his orthopaedic work continues to be a model for teaching hospitals throughout the country.
Dr. Coleman continued to work for seven years after being diagnosed with prostrate cancer, performing service in underdeveloped countries and on the home-front, until just months before his death on February 24, 2004. In 1993 a colleague said that "Dr. Coleman has probably been one of, if not, the single greatest orthopaedic contributor to national and international orthopaedics in this century. His contributions are endless and continue to be so even in his senior years. He has stayed on top of all development and maintained a level of excellence unparalleled by any other living orthopaedic surgeon."
