The POSNA Hall of Fame provides an enduring history to honor those POSNA members who have displayed dedication to the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, teaching and mentoring, studying musculoskeletal conditions in children and caring for children with musculoskeletal conditions. Nominations for inductees are taken each fall by the POSNA membership and selected by the Awards Committee and members of the Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame Categories: Leadership, Diversity, Teacher, Humanitarian, Hero, Triumph over Adversity, Pioneer, Contributions to Literature, Home Person (one who does the real work while others go to meetings), Fox-Hole Buddy (reliable person when the stakes are high), Exceptional Clinician, POSNA Service
Eligibility:
J. Andy Sullivan, MD
General Upbringing and Education/Training:
Dr. J. Andy Sullivan was born in north-central Texas and went to high school in Fort Worth. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University in 1965 and earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, in 1969. He then spent 2 years as a major in the Army Medical Corps. He next completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Barnes Hospital of Washington University in St Louis, MO in 1974.
He then completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery with the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) Carl Berg Traveling Fellowship in 1975.
Career Highlights:
Dr. Sullivan’s career, colleagues say, is characterized by integrity, excellence, respect, and service. In his 37 years at Oklahoma, he has earned a reputation as a steady leader, caring physician, and exemplary teacher and mentor. He was a prolific researcher earlier in his career, with many peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters to his credit.
Dr. Sullivan is a professor and served as the Don H. O'Donoghue Endowed Chair in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center from 1992 to 2007. Below are just a few of the titles he has held and the recognitions he has received.
- Trained over 230 residents
- Treated three generations of families over his orthopaedic career
- Tow Humanitarian Award
- Recipient of the Gold Humanism in Medicine Award at Oklahoma University
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Achievement Award for Volunteer Efforts
- Dean's Award for Distinguished Medical Service, recognizing 40 years at the OU College of Medicine
- Chief of Staff for Children's Hospital
- President of the University's Professional Practice Plan
- Pediatric Medical Director for Children's Hospital
- Chief Medical Officer for OU Medical Center
- Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery
- Namesake and inspiration for the J. Andy Sullivan Endowed Chair in Orthopedic Surgery Resident Education
Service to POSNA/Orthopaedic Community:
Dr. Sullivan is a past president of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), serving in the role in 1998. He has volunteered extensively both at home and abroad. He has been on numerous medical and surgical missions around the world, including two visits to Romania with Operation Smile, four trips to Bolivia with Friends of Bolivia Foundation, four trips to Honduras with Cure International, and trips to Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
(
Left) Dr. Sullivan married his wife, Sue (schoolteacher and artist), in 1965 and has two sons, Jacob and Tyler, and two grandchildren (
Below).
Words of wisdom/advice to younger generations:
Develop a balanced workload and outside interests. Spend time with your family. Develop hobbies and avocations so that when you retire you will be able to enjoy your retirement. While seeing patients, sit down, listen to the patient, and then talk to them in lay terms that they understand. You will make mistakes and likely be sued. Learn from your mistakes and seek help when needed from other colleagues and other professionals. Don't let production numbers rule your life. We are in one of the most rewarding specialties possible.
Volunteer your services locally, nationally, and internationally. Working in developing countries for me was a very rewarding experience when done properly. It only should only be done in the sense of education of local physicians there and with adequate follow-up.”
Biography written by Dr. Derek Kelly, on behalf of the Hall of Fame Committee. 2023.
Sources:
- https://okcfriday.com/evening-of-excellence-to-honor-sullivan-smith-p11733-92.htm
- https://www.news9.com/story/5e9a1d33e4143926e2c44cb5/doctors-decision-at-murrah-building-changed-lives-of-2-people
- https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/about/faculty-recognition/alumni-association-awards/aa-2014/j-andy-sullivan-md/
- https://www.abebooks.com/Pediatric-Athlete-Sullivan-Andy-Grana-William/63660694/bd
