Increasing The Number of Minorities in our Specialty.

Dr. J. Robert Gladden became the first, black, board certified orthopaedic surgeon in 1950, and by 1960 there were only 10 black board certified orthopaedic surgeons. Today the Gladden Society boasts over 460 dues paying members and is responsible for mentoring and guiding many more surgeons from every race, gender, and culture into the field of orthopaedic surgery. The Gladden Society is now a multi-cultural society that is dedicated to increasing the number of minorities in orthopaedic surgery, eliminating healthcare disparities and teaching culturally competent care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

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Cultivating Future Orthopaedic Leaders

The Gladden Society has in its ranks some of the best minds in orthopaedic surgery. In 2001 Dr. Alvin H. Crawford became the first black president of the prestigious Scoliosis Research Society. Dr. Robert Satcher became the first orthopaedic surgeon ever to participate in a NASA space mission. In 2008, Dr. E. Anthony Rankin became the first black president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Cato Laurencin, is one of only three practicing orthopedic surgeons in the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and has pioneered the field of limb regeneration; Dr. Claudia Thomas, was the first black female, board certified orthopaedic surgeon in the United States. Gladden society members also include numerous orthopaedic surgery chairpersons and program directors. The society is dedicated to fostering the next generation of multi-cultural orthopaedic leaders.

Eliminating Health Care Disparities.

Through advocacy and clinical research the Gladden Society has educated orthopaedic surgeons from all cultures on how to improve the quality of musculoskeletal care and address many of the unconscious biases present in the care of orthopaedic patients. It is the goal of the Gladden Society to eliminate health care disparities in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

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The Gladden Society is a pluralist, multicultural organization designed to meet the needs of under-represented minority orthopaedic surgeons and to advance the ideals of excellent musculoskeletal care for all patients with particular attention to underserved groups.

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Making A Difference One Patient At A Time

Members of the J. Robert Gladden Orthopedic Society are dedicated to providing culturally competent care to the patients they serve.  From the rural country side of East Texas, to the sprawling urban community of Los Angeles, California, JRGOS surgeons deliver the highest quality musculoskeletal care in many cities across America.  Our surgeons lead the field of orthopaedics through research, innovation, and unmatched technical skill. More importantly, they are committed to promoting health equity, reducing pain and improving the lives of all patients, but especially those in under-represented communities.  

2020 JRGOS Annual Meeting Events

The health, safety, and well-being of you and your patients is of...

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