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:
Daniel R. Cooperman, MD
It is my great pleasure to present Prof. Daniel R. Cooperman, a luminary in the field of pediatric orthopaedics and a pioneer whose work has left an indelible mark on our understanding of musculoskeletal conditions in children. Dr. Cooperman's career exemplifies excellence in research, education, and clinical practice, making him a deserving candidate for the POSNA Hall of Fame.
Dr. Cooperman’s journey began with his undergraduate studies at Dartmouth University in 1969, followed by his medical degree from the University of Chicago in 1974. During his residency at the University of Chicago, he pursued a year of research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, where he cultivated his passion for advancing the science behind pediatric orthopaedics. In collaboration with Dr. Stulberg, he published seminal papers on Perthes disease in JBJS (1980, 1981), laying the foundation for groundbreaking contributions to the field.
Over his career, Dr. Cooperman has authored more than 116 peer-reviewed publications and 55 textbook chapters, including influential studies on triplane fractures, skeletal maturation, and musculoskeletal abnormalities. His dedication to preserving historical radiographs, such as those from the Greulich and Pyle atlas, has enabled future research and innovation in pediatric orthopaedics. Dr. Cooperman also worked closely with OrthoPediatrics to design pediatric-specific implants, reflecting his commitment to translating research into practical applications for better patient care.
As an educator, Dr. Cooperman mentored generations of orthopaedic surgeons through his roles at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Metro Hospital, and Yale University. He received the John R. Carter Resident Teaching Excellence Award twice, recognizing his transformative impact on resident education. Even after partially retiring, he continues to educate residents and fellows, embodying his lifelong dedication to the field.
Dr. Cooperman’s unparalleled contributions to research, teaching, and clinical practice are a testament to his pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to pediatric orthopaedics. The Hall of Fame Committee takes great pride in inducting Professor Daniel R. Cooperman into the POSNA Hall of Fame.
Biography written by Dr. Sheenam Bansal, on behalf of the History & Hall of Fame Committee, 2025
