Dr. Robert B. Greer, III, first chief of Orthopaedic Surgery, passes away

Dr. Robert B. Greer, III, former chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Penn State College of Medicine and one of the last remaining foundational leaders of the medical institution, died on March 27 at home. Greer was recruited to the College of Medicine in 1971 by Dr. John A. Waldhausen as the first chief of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, serving in this role until his retirement in 1992. Under his leadership, the residency program gained national recognition, and he also helped shape the education mission as associate dean of medical education at the College of Medicine from 1987 to 1992.

Greer was a distinguished clinician, researcher and educator, serving as president of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and editor-in-chief of The American Journal of Orthopedics. In recognition of his lasting impact, his former residents, faculty and the Waldhausen family established the Robert B. Greer, III, MD Professorship in Orthopaedic Surgery in 2015. In 2016, he was further recognized with the Cheston M. Berlin Service Award. He was an Emeritus Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery.

“Dr. Greer will be remembered for his myriad accomplishments across the spectrum of academic orthopaedics,” said Dr. Kevin Black, an orthopaedic surgeon at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, interim vice dean for educational affairs at the College of Medicine and a former chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. “As the founding chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Penn State College of Medicine, he advanced the profession and our college in countless ways. The residents who were fortunate to learn from him continued to express their admiration for him throughout their careers. The Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation was built on his legacy and leadership.”

For those who wish to honor Greer’s legacy, contributions may be made to support Orthopaedic Resident Education at Penn State through the Orthopaedic Global Mission Endowment. More details can be found here.

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