The King/Hancock Orthopaedic Journal is an annual publication of the research efforts and presentations of the orthopaedic surgery residents at Atlanta Medical Center.  The purpose of this journal is to present the ongoing work of these residents for educational purposes and communication with the orthopaedic community.

The King/Hancock Orthopaedic Journal is named for two of the historical cornerstone of the Georgia Baptist Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program.

Richard E King, M.D. was the original chairman and founder of the orthopaedic surgery residency program and served in that capacity until 1994. He is past President of the Atlanta and Georgia Orthopaedic Societies, Secretary and Vice-President of the American Orthopaedic Association and President and Secretary of the Russell Hibbs Society. As a teacher, Dr. King has shared his understanding of orthopaedics throughout the world in lectures, textbook, and manuscripts. We honor his enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge as well as his willingness to share it. He is a prominent member of the orthopaedic community and served as co-editor of Fractures in Children.

Charles I. Hancock, M.D. carries the distinction as one of the first residents of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program at Georgia Baptist Medical Center (now Atlanta Medical Center).  He further exemplified himself in serving fellow physicians and the residency program as Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics, as Vice-President, President and Chief of the Medical Staff. Dr. Hancock has served as a physician for the Crippled Children’s Medical Service in Thomasville, Georgia and Atlanta on a continuing basis since he was a resident, and most recently served as Vice-President for Medical Affairs and Services at Georgia Baptist from 1992 until his retirement. For his commitment to orthopaedics and involvement in medical care, we remain deeply appreciative. Both of these gentlemen served the program with great distinction, and it is for them that the residents named their research publication.

The 12th edition of the King Hancock Journal has again afforded a clearer insight into the Residency Program in Orthopaedic Surgery at Atlanta Medical Center. Each resident selected a project mirroring their interest in clinical medicine, and devoted time and effort to designing a research project that might extend current understanding. The King Hancock Journal has become a yearbook measuring the emergence of new technology as well documenting the changing interests of all participants. A number of changes have occurred since our last publication; a new program director in Steven Kane, M.D.; a RRC site visit to evaluate our training curriculum at the Atlanta Medical Center; addition of new trauma faculty in Bruce Ziran, M.D., and administrative support for developing an arthroscopic teaching laboratory that will be occupied in Mid-September, 2009.

Dr. Kane came to our program with full disclosure – as our RRC site visitor 5 years ago, he recognized the improvements that have been made as well as where future work might be directed to make the program stronger. His interest in Sports Medicine is a first for the Program Director at AMC and improving patient care remains at the forefront of his initiatives. Preparation for the RRC review was keyed to understanding what is scrutinized by the ACGME. Atlanta provides a unique clinical opportunity for training, and AMC has been fortunate to identify key teaching partners that exemplify practice excellence. In that regard, this year’s journal took advantage of the expertise of Dr. Gary Lourie. Dr. Lourie has participated in each of our King-Hancock Journals and every year provides personal guidance from his professional practice. He is recognized internationally for his surgical skill and locally for a teaching style that defines the most current concepts in orthopedic surgery. With deep respect to his leadership in the field of hand surgery, he is the physician that the Atlanta Braves look to when players need care.

Advances in technology, facility gains, additional faculty, and improved opportunity for education – the training program continues to grow stronger. Innovations in diagnostic technology, stem cell therapy, surgical observation, and therapeutic application; all are refinements that will likely guide future clinical practice. The legacy of the observations shared in this King Hancock Journal will be to have seen, to have shared, and to then apply – the cutting edge is never sharp enough to not gain from further honing.