William C. Warner Jr., MD
After more than three decades of exemplary service, William “Bill” C. Warner Jr., MD, leaves an indelible mark on pediatric orthopaedics. Renowned for selfless leadership, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to patient care, Dr. Warner’s contributions have shaped the lives of countless children and the future of the specialty.
Born and raised in Mississippi, Dr. Warner was immersed in orthopaedics from a young age, inspired by his father—a pioneer in sports medicine and the fourth practicing orthopaedist in the state. Initially drawn to follow in his father’s footsteps, his career path took a pivotal turn during a junior rotation at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, where he discovered a deep passion for pediatric orthopaedics—a field he would help define.
Dr. Warner’s academic journey began at Mississippi State University, where he graduated with Highest Distinction in 1979. He earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1983. His postgraduate training included a general surgery internship and orthopaedic residency at the University of Tennessee and the Campbell Clinic in Memphis. In 1989, he completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedic surgery at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Atlanta before returning to Memphis to join the Campbell Clinic faculty.
Over the next 31 years at Campbell Clinic and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Dr. Warner became the cornerstone of the pediatric orthopaedic program. His steady presence and willingness to take on extra clinical duties—nights, weekends, and holidays—ensured the program’s sustained growth and excellence. Early in his career, he ran outreach clinics, bringing care to neighboring communities with limited healthcare access. On one such day, amidst logistical challenges at a local clinic, his dedication and innovative spirit shone through as he saw patients out of the back of his Ford Explorer. This willingness to go above and beyond is a hallmark of his career.
Dr. Warner’s approach to medicine centered on listening to patients and their families, ensuring treatments aligned with their needs and aspirations. This philosophy drove him to establish the multidisciplinary Cerebral Palsy Clinic at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, supported by the Children’s Foundation of Memphis, to help these children achieve independence and fully participate in their communities.
His leadership extended beyond clinical practice into the local and national orthopaedic community. He held leadership roles at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Campbell Clinic Board of Directors, Methodist Healthcare System, and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, where he served as Chief of Staff from 2003 to 2006. Locally, he took on various leadership positions in the Memphis Orthopaedic Society and Tennessee Orthopaedic Society.
On the national level, Dr. Warner served on the POSNA Board from 2003 to 2005 and was President of the Clinical Orthopaedic Society from 2012 to 2013. He chaired multiple educational initiatives, including AAOS Pediatric Orthopaedic Updates and International Pediatric Orthopaedic Society programs.
His influence extended to orthopaedic education and research, with 46 textbook chapters and 55 peer-reviewed articles to his name. His commitment to teaching earned him the Campbell Clinic Resident Teaching Award in 1992 and 2003. Many former fellows and residents credit Dr. Warner’s mentorship as pivotal to their professional development.
Despite his many accomplishments, Dr. Warner’s humility remains a defining trait. His quiet leadership, generosity, and prioritization of others were integral to his success. At Campbell Clinic, he consistently made sacrifices to promote the professional and personal success of his colleagues, whether senior or junior. As Dr. Warner transitions into retirement, his legacy endures through the thriving pediatric orthopaedic program he built, the numerous professionals he mentored, and the countless patients whose lives he improved. Reflecting on his career, Dr. Warner emphasized his patient-centered philosophy: “It’s been a privilege and rewarding. You never know what opportunities will bring, but keeping the patient’s best interests at the forefront is what matters.”
Dr. Warner’s dedication to patient care, mentorship, and service makes him a deserving candidate for the POSNA Hall of Fame. His legacy of compassion, excellence, and integrity will continue to guide the next generation of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons.
Biography written by Dr. Breann Tisano on behalf of the History & Hall of Fame Committee
