OSU alum receives lifetime award for spinal deformity care
The Scoliosis Research Society recently honored Oklahoma State University alumnus
Dr. George H. Thompson with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work to make spinal
surgery safer for babies and children. Thompson, who was recognized at the society’s
annual meeting in Lyon France, is one of only ten individuals to receive the prestigious
award, which honors a member for distinguished service to the organization as well
as significant contributions to spinal deformity care.
Thompson, a 1966 physiology graduate from OSU, has served as director of pediatric
orthopedics at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, UH Case Medical Center in Cleveland
since 1987. The award commemorates his extensive career, which has led to innovations
in surgical techniques to prevent or decrease blood loss and to make surgery safer
for children.
“Because of the techniques he’s developed and published, he has changed the lives
of tens of thousands of children worldwide,” said Dr. Randal Marcus, chairman of the
department of Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatricts at Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine.
“Dr. Thompson’s insight, innovative work and dedication have created a legacy that
will influence the treatment of spinal deformities for future generations,” said John
Dormans, MD, vice president, Scoliosis Research Society. “As a pioneer in his field,
Dr. Thompson truly represents what the Scoliosis Research Society stands for and the
society could not be more honored to award him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Thompson received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine
in 1970. He completed a surgical internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the
University of California Los Angeles Medical Center from 1970 to 1972 and 1974 to
1977, followed by a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at the Hospital for Sick Children
in Toronto, Ontario in 1978.
In addition to his leadership role in pediatric orthopedics, Thompson also serves
as vice-chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at University Hospitals Case
Medical Center, co-chair of the Salter Society, co-editor of the Journal of Pediatric
Orthopedics, president/CEO of the SICOT Foundation, and member of the Medical Advisory
Board, Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
Thompson is the past president of the Ohio Orthopedic Society from 1997 to 1999, Pediatric
Orthopedic Society of North America from 2002 to 2003, and Scoliosis Research Society
for the terms 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. He is the past deputy editor of pediatric orthopedics
for the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American from 2003 to 2005. He has received
numerous honors and awards, most notably the American Orthopedic Association North
American Traveling Fellowship in 1979, an endowed chair from the institution in 2006,
the POSNA Arthur H. Huene Award in 2008, and the 2013 SRS Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thompson’s major interests include spinal deformities, trauma, hip abnormalities,
and foot deformities. He has published 153 peer-reviewed articles, 86 chapters in
textbooks, and edited four textbooks. He has presented more than 700 regional, national,
and international lectures.
The Scoliosis Research Society is a non-profit, professional organization, made up
of physicians and allied health personnel providing continuing medical education for
health care professionals and funding/supporting research in spinal deformities. Current
membership of the SRS includes over 1,100 of the world's leading spine surgeons, researchers,
physician assistants and orthotists who are involved in research and treatment of
spinal deformities.
