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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kevin J. Bozic, MD

The preparation of the second annual issue of The Harvard Orthopaedic Journal has been a challenging and rewarding experience for everyone involved. Building on the inaugural success of Dr. David Ring and his co-editors from a year ago, the millennium edition of The Journal is a further attempt to provide a unique forum for the exchange of ideas among clinicians, scientists, and alumni of the Harvard Orthopaedic Program. As you read the manuscripts and editorial sections on the ensuing pages, I think you will be impressed with the rapid pace of development and innovation that has occurred within the Harvard Orthopaedic Program during the past year.

The publication of this review marks one of the high points of my academic medical career, and the culmination of much hard work by a number of dedicated individuals. First, I wish to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of my co-editors in ensuring the success of The Journal. Furthermore, without the tireless efforts of Diane Sheehan, our administrative assistant, this journal would not have been a reality. Finally, the support of Dr. James Herndon and the Executive Committee, as well as timely advice from Dr. Ring, have been invaluable in producing what I believe is a truly outstanding journal
.

We are indebted to the many clinicians and scientists who have added preparing, editing, and revising manuscripts for the HOJ to their already long list of responsibilities. The articles in The Journal are clear evidence of the high caliber of basic science and clinical research being conducted at Harvard in the 21st Century.

We also owe a great deal of thanks to the many sponsors who have contributed advertisements to our review. In this era of increasing financial constraints, their support of the HOJ is a tribute to their commitment to academic research and education in orthopaedic surgery.

The breadth and diversity of research presented in The Journal serves as a reminder that these are truly exciting times in the field of orthopaedic surgery. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Harvard Orthopaedic Journal as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you.

Best wishes for continued success, health, and happiness.

Kevin J. Bozic, MD
Editor-in-Chief
DEDICATION
John Hall, MD

Throughout our training in the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Surgery Program, we have had the opportunity to work with many outstanding surgeons and clinicians. We have benefited from their skill, expertise, and knowledge, and are indebted to them for the countless hours they have spent teaching us. Dr. John Hall is a special individual who has been an exemplary role model for us all.

When I think of the word “surgeon”, I think of Dr. John Hall. He is strong, yet compassionate. He is a skilled technician, and his contributions to the orthopaedic literature are too numerous to count. His innovative techniques in pediatric spinal surgery have revolutionized the way we as orthopaedists care for children with spinal deformities. However, it is his gift for teaching and caring for children that are his most admired traits. As young physicians in an ever-changing world, we have learned a great deal about the honor and the responsibility of being a surgeon from Dr. Hall.

We asked Dr. Anthony J. Herring, Professor and Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at Texas Scottish-Rites Hospital in Dallas, Texas, to comment on Dr. Hall’s contributions to the field of orthopaedic surgery:

“When asked why we chose pediatric orthopedic surgery for a career, my peers and I usually answer with two words - John Hall. His tangible accomplishments, including presidency of the Scoliosis Research Society, developer of the Boston Brace, and his pivotal presidency of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society which led to the founding of POSNA, while impressive are not what really transformed us. It was his intangible qualities that led us into the field, and continue to inspire us each time we encounter this noble man.

First, he insisted on striving to achieve perfection during surgery. He was absolutely intolerant of half-hearted or unskilled efforts, and was as confident and certain as the man himself. He taught us surgery based on fact and careful study of results rather than by personal dogma or tradition. His view of surgery as constantly changing and improving inspired us to change and improve rather than to rely on old habits. His message was clear: Each time we enter the operating room we seek to improve our understanding of technique and anatomy, learn from our mistakes and shortcomings, and thus, continue to advance our art.

Furthermore, Dr. Hall taught us that the patient always comes first, and that all of our decisions must be aimed to achieve the best outcome for each child. He believed that a patient’s family must be heard and that their concerns must be addressed openly and honestly. He respected, and taught us to respect the dignity of children.

When I was a resident, Dr. Hall became known as B.J., short for Big John. I was Middle John, another resident Little John. For those of us who were privileged to train and to learn from Dr. John Hall, we will always be happy to be Middle Johns, ever striving to be like Big John.”

Tony Herring, MD
Dallas, TX
Dr. Hall and his former fellows at the dedication of the John E. Hall professorship.
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