UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center communities gathered Friday, Sept. 16 to remember Arthur M. Pappas, MD, an esteemed pillar of the medical school and a pioneering orthopedic surgeon and educator who died in March.
At a tribute ceremony at the medical school, speakers and guests shared stories of Dr. Pappas’ generosity, kindness, professionalism, humor, and contributions to the community as an academic physician and generous benefactor within the school and health care system in Central Massachusetts.
Pappas was professor and chairman emeritus of the Department of Orthopedics & Physical Rehabilitation at UMass Medical School, stepping down from the chairmanship in 2001 after a career distinguished by accomplishments in sports medicine, rehabilitation and the special challenges faced by children born with severe physical disabilities.
“Arthur was a gifted leader with vision, strength, integrity and kindness who accomplished much for our institution and the people of Massachusetts,” said David Ayers, MD, the Arthur M. Pappas, MD, Chair in Orthopedics, chair and professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation. “The stories that Dr. Pappas’ patients tell me are awe-inspiring and their love for and their faith in Dr. Pappas is so clearly, clearly evident.”
Pappas was widely known for his work with the Boston Red Sox. He was the team’s medical director from 1978 to 2003. But it was his work with children that was his passion, friends said.
David Harlan, MD, the William and Doris Krupp Professor in Medicine, professor of medicine and director of the Diabetes Center of Excellence, spoke of Pappas’ good-humored selflessness, his insight and perception, and his heart, calling him a cherished physician.
“This world is filled with people who were touched in countless ways by the generosity of Dr. Pappas and his wife, Martha,” Dr. Harlan said.
Related links on UMassMedNow:
Arthur M. Pappas, MD, founding chair of orthopedics, dies at 84
Massachusetts Medical Society honors UMMS faculty
Honorary degree recipients share the University’s values
