History

For nearly a century, Campbell Clinic has been a leader in the field of orthopaedics. This course was immediately set by our founder, Dr. Willis C. Campbell, when he opened his clinic in 1909. In the years following, Dr. Campbell organized the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at The University of Tennessee-Memphis, established the orthopaedic residency program, and co-founded The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), serving as its first president. Dr. Campbell even wrote the first textbook on orthopaedics, titled Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. This textbook is now in its 11th edition, is published in 7 different languages, and is the largest selling orthopaedic textbook in the world.

Historical Highlights

1909

Dr. Willis C. Campbell opened his practice in Memphis. He would become one of the world's preeminent leaders in the advancement of orthopaedic medicine.

1910

Dr. Campbell organized the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis.

1924

Dr. Campbell established the orthopaedic residency program at UT-Memphis. The program has trained over 450 of the world's best orthopaedic surgeons.

1933

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) was founded by Dr. Campbell, who served as its first president. Campbell Clinic surgeons Harold Boyd, Hugh Smith, Rocco Calandruccio, and Terry Canale have succeeded Dr. Campbell in leading AAOS.

1939

Dr. Willis Campbell wrote and published the first Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. Since that time, the Campbell Clinic staff has updated the text every five to seven years. Used by surgeons all over the world, reviewers today call it “the bible of orthopaedic surgery.” The 10th edition was published in 2002.

1946

To perpetuate Dr. Willis Campbell's commitment to the advancement of orthopaedic medicine, his partners-Drs. Spencer Speed, Harold Boyd, J.F. Hamilton, and Hugh Smith-established The Campbell Foundation.

1990

Formalizing a long-standing informal arrangement, the department was officially designated the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. All Campbell Clinic surgeons hold faculty appointments in the department and work closely with its research scientists.

2003

Community and corporate leaders join the Board of Trustees. Formal development program implemented, generating record support from industry, alumni, and patients.

2004

Board of Trustees adopts strategic plan to build the Memphis Musculoskeletal Research Institute (now InMotion Orthopaedic Research Center). It was launched in 2005.

2007

The 11th edition of Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, edited by S. Terry Canale, M.D. and James H. Beaty, M.D. was published.

2009

Campbell Clinic celebrated its 100th Anniversary at the Willis C. Campbell Club Triennial meeting in Memphis.