The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America awarded Richard M. Schwend, MD, the 2014 POSNA Humanitarian Award, according to an AAOS Now report.
Dr. Schwend is the director of the orthopedic research program at Children's Mercy Kansas City. Here are five things to know about Dr. Schwend:
1. He also serves as the chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics section on orthopedics and a clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and University of Kansas Medical Center.
2. As chair of the AAP section of orthopedics and co-chair of the POSNA Committee on Underserved Regions, Dr. Schwend is tasked with promoting musculoskeletal education among pediatricians and orthopedist in the United States and internationally. His services focus on improving the quality of life and accessibility of clinical care around the world.
3. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Schwend is involved in professional and community service. He is a member of the medical advisory board for Miracle Feet and volunteered on a medical mission trip to Haiti in 2010. Additional humanitarian missions include the Project Perfect World and Damian House for orthopedic surgical care for children in Ecuador. He is a physician advisor to Project Perfect World.
4. Research is also a critical part of Dr. Schwend's career. He has published several articles on pediatric orthopedic and spine procedures. He is a journal reviewer and professor of orthopedics. He has been a visiting professor in the United States, India and China. He has worked on a National Institutes of Health-funded study on bracing in idiopathic scoliosis and other spine-focused studies.
5. Dr. Schwend earned his medical degree at St. Louis University School of Medicine and completed a pediatric residency in pediatric medicine at Children's Mercy Hospital. He also completed the Harvard University Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program and a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic and spine surgery at Harvard University, Children's Hospital.
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