Richard Lindseth, MD, the George J. Garceau Professor Emeritus of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, died this month. He served on the faculty for more than 30 years. He was appointed department chair in 1995.
As a clinician, Dr. Lindseth’s work and research focused in the area of spina bifida. He helped set standards for patient management and developed many surgical procedures accepted around the world. Orthopaedic surgeons from across the United States and Europe came to Indianapolis to learn these procedures from him.
In 1999, Dr. Lindseth was given the Glenn W. Irwin Jr., MD, Distinguished Faculty Award. Named for a former dean of IU School of Medicine, this award honors educators who are passionate about teaching, collaborate with colleagues, pursue bold research, and provide outstanding care.
Each November, the department hosts the Richard E. Lindseth Pediatric Orthopaedic Lectureship with a visiting professor and presentations from pediatric orthopaedists in the community and the region.
Dr. Lindseth’s legacy will live on through the many grateful patients he has treated, the countless learners he has mentored, and his extensive published research, said L. Daniel Wurtz, MD, the current chair of orthopaedic surgery.
“Dr. Lindseth’s leadership and guidance helped propel our department to where it is today,” Wurtz said.
“The lives of a countless number of patients have furthered from his research of different orthopaedic surgical practices; and the learners who benefited from his teaching and mentorship span decades. Through his namesake lectureship, generations of future orthopaedic surgeons will continue to gain essential knowledge of our field. His years of service to IU School of Medicine and his contributions to orthopaedic medicine will not soon be forgotten.”
Dr. Lindseth received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. His subsequent training in orthopaedic surgery took place at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.
He joined the faculty at IU School of Medicine in 1967. Two years later, he became the director of pediatric orthopaedic surgery at Riley Hospital for Children and the director of the myelomeningocele clinic.
He was promoted to professor of orthopaedic surgery in 1976 and became chair of the department in 1995. He was named the George J. Garceau Professor of Pediatric Orthopaedics in 2000.
Dr. Lindseth was a member of many national and international organizations, including: the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery; the American Academy of Pediatrics; the American College of Surgeons; the American Orthopaedic Association; the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, where he served as president from 1986 to 1987; the Scoliosis Research Society; the European Pediatric Orthopaedic Society; the International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology; and the Spina Bifida Association of America, where he served as chairman of the professional advisory committee in 1987.
William Capello, MD, who worked with Dr. Lindseth for many years, said he was saddened to hear of his colleague’s passing.
“Dick was an outstanding academic orthopaedic surgeon,” Capello said. “He was a wonderful role model for anyone entering orthopaedics, myself included. He was thoughtful, respectful of everyone, and a gifted surgeon with a sharp intellect. This was reflected in his research and decision making. I was always proud to have him as a partner and friend.”
