CLEVELAND – As a result of his endless contributions to spine surgery–in clinical practice, research and teaching–Henry H. Bohlman, MD, Director, University Hospitals Spine Institute, will be honored with an endowed chair in his name, The Henry H. Bohlman, MD, Chair in Spine Surgery, at University Hospitals Case Medical Center (UHCMC).
The Henry H. Bohlman, MD, Chair in Spine Surgery is a $2.2 million endowed chair that will allow UHCMC to remain at the forefront of clinical care, research and education. As a testament to the respect Dr. Bohlman has garnered, his former spine fellows and residents worldwide contributed $1.2 million to the endowment. Additionally a $1 million contribution came from The Spine Research and Education Foundation.
Dr. Bohlman, a world-renowned spine surgeon, joined University Hospitals in 1972 and became Director of the University Reconstructive and Traumatic Spine Surgery Center in 1985 before assuming his current responsibilities in 1996. Also Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Director of the UHCMC Spine Fellowship Program, Dr. Bohlman earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital where he participated in National Institutes of Health-sponsored spine research.
“Dr. Bohlman has unending enthusiasm for the pursuit of novel and revolutionary methods of treating spine-related disorders,” said Randall E. Marcus, MD, UHCMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Chairman. “His ingenious solutions to longstanding difficulties in spinal surgery; his detailed clarification of the epidemiology and etiology of spinal injuries; his exceptional surgical skills; and his extraordinary gift for mentoring residents and fellows, are some of the characteristics which qualify him as a remarkable physician and an amazing man who revolutionized the world of spine surgery.”
Dr. Bohlman has earned international renown and a series of impressive awards and accolades.
Over the course of his 33-year career, he has trained over 75 spine fellows who have gone on to positions at major medical centers throughout the world and who have published more than 2,000 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
In the 1970’s shortly after joining the faculty at UHCMC, he was among the first surgeons in the country to investigate a new surgical approach from the front for decompression and fusion after spinal cord injuries that ultimately lead to reduced neurological risks and improved recovery from paralysis.
Dr. Bohlman received the Nicolas Andry Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons earlier this year. In 2007, Dr. Bohlman received the North American Spine Society’s Leon Wiltse Award for his lifelong contributions. In addition, the Bohlman Visiting Professorship at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine brings a renowned orthopaedic surgeon to campus each year.
Dr. Bohlman is recognized as a pre-eminent scholar in the epidemiology and etiology of cervical spine injuries. He has written seminal works on the anatomy and biomechanics of spine injuries and has authored or co-authored more than 200 publications.
Additionally, his surgical advice and expertise has been sought by patients from throughout the world including professional athletes. He has been the spine surgeon of choice to Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., legendary center for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brad Daugherty and former professional baseball pitcher Scott Kamieniecki.