It is with great sorrow that I report our dear friend Benjamin Allen, Jr, MD passed away on September 1st 2021. Dr. Allen graduated from Duke University Medical School in 1964 and later from their orthopaedic training program. He worked at the University of Texas Medical Branch where he developed the first effective technique of pelvic instrumentation called “The Galveston Technique” and other important advances in children’s spine surgery. However, his work in children’s orthopaedics was not limited to spinal disorders. He published important work in areas from the biomechanics of the upper cervical spine to the best way to treat recurrent infections of the toenail. He served as Chief of Staff at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Greenville, SC from 1989 to 2005. During this time, he trained many residents and fellows in pediatric orthopaedics. Outside of orthopaedics his interests were just as diverse. He was an avid golfer and even developed and manufactured his own golf clubs. He enjoyed cooking and studied the effects of diet on cardiac health. He was a great man, a great friend, and will be sorely missed.
Obituary by Peter Stasikelis, MD