J. Richard Steadman, MD, received the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas A&M University, according to an AAOS Now report.
Here are five things to know about Dr. Steadman:
1. Dr. Steadman is known as a pioneer in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery. He is a founder of The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.
2. He retired from clinical practice in 2014 but maintained his role consulting with colleagues at the practice and co-chairing the institute. His interests include evidence-based medicine and returning patients to an active life style.
3. Throughout his career, Dr. Steadman has been an innovator and developed knee surgery procedures. He received the Arthroscopy Association of North America award for an essay about using his techniques for relieving knee pain. He is also known for creating the microfracture surgical technique to treat chondral defects of the knee.
4. Dr. Steadman has treated several professional athletes, including 45 NFL players, 23 professional baseball players, eight NBA players and 26 athletes from professional soccer.
5. Dr. Steadman earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed his residency in orthopedics at Charity Hospital. He also spent time serving in the U.S. Army.