History of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgery has a rich heritage at the University of Minnesota, dating back to  the founding of the Medical School in 1888. In 1897, Arthur Gillette assumed his duties as the first Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Minnesota. Gillette also established the first State Crippled Children's Hospital in 1897, which after his death became Gillette Children's Hospital – an ongoing and vital part of orthopaedic education and patient care throughout the 20th century. Emile Geist succeeded Arthur Gillette as director of the Orthopaedic Surgery Division in 1921.

After Geist's death in 1933, Wallace Cole became the lead figure in Orthopaedic Surgery for the next 25 years. Although Cole was made full Professor in 1935, Orthopaedic Surgery continued as a Division of the Department of General Surgery, headed by Owen Wangensteen, who tightly controlled the budget and most surgical activities.

Dr. Cole retired in 1956, at the mandatory age of 68, but continued to be active in educational activities at Gillette, Shrine, and VA Hospitals until his death in 1973. John Moe was appointed a Clinical Professor and Head of the Division in 1957. There was significant growth of the division under Moe, with advancement to a full department. 

The appointment of Roby Thompson, Jr., M.D. as Professor and Department Chair in 1974 was a major turning point because of his skills in every area. He brought not only good organizational skills for our educational endeavor, but also experience and interest in orthopaedic research that added immensely to the academic stature of what was already a strong clinical training program. Thompson was well received by the full-time and clinical faculty of both communities, and through his leadership and with cooperation of Dr. Robert Premer at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, the VA and university programs were integrated by the early 80s with strong faculty leadership at all of the affiliated hospitals, assuring a balanced and broad educational  experience for all residents. 

In 1995, a nationwide search lead to the appointment of Dr. Marc Swiontkowski as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He has continued the long traditions of Drs. Gillette, Geist, Cole, Moe, and Thompson in leading the department to national excellence in patient care, research, and education.