In Honor of John C. Kennedy, MD, FRCSC
This lectureship is recognized in honor of past president, John C. Kennedy, MD, FRCS(C), supported by the Kennedy Family Endowment and the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
About the Lectureship
This distinguished award, first presented to a Society member in 1985, recognizes exemplary contributions to the field and is accompanied by a notable $3,000 honorarium. The lecture series is supported by a Kennedy Family Endowment and the American Journal of Sports Medicine and is traditionally named by the current AOSSM President.
John C. Kennedy, MD, FRCSC was a distinguished leader in the field of orthopaedic sports medicine. Born and raised in London, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Kennedy attended the University of Western Ontario where he obtained his medical degree in 1942. While at the university, he also continued his avid interest in sports, excelling in football and basketball.
After completing his internship, Dr. Kennedy served as a medical officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1943 Dr. Kennedy married Jean Lawson. The Kennedys have five children and 13 grandchildren.
After World War II, Dr. Kennedy took surgical training at the University of Western Ontario and obtained his FRCSC in general surgery. He then studied orthopaedics in Toronto under R. I. Harris. He obtained his FRCSC in orthopaedic surgery in 1950 and returned to London as an instructor in surgery. He eventually became a Clinical Professor and Chief of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery. He held those positions until 1981.
Here are just a few of Dr. Kennedy’s many appointments and awards:
Professional and Membership Activities
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, President, 1979
- Canadian Orthopaedic Association, President, 1969
- The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Member, Board of Trustees
- Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine, Founding Member and Director
Medical Appointments and Consulting Positions to Sports Teams/Organizations
- Orthopaedic Consultant to All Intercollegiate Athletic Teams, 1966–81
- Chairman of Committee of Orthopaedic Training, Royal College of Surgeons of Canada,1968–74
- Chief Medical Officer of Athletic Injury Clinic, University of Western Ontario, 1972–81
- Orthopaedic Consultant for the Canadian Olympic Team, Munich, Germany, 1972
Awards
- Mr. Sports Medicine – American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, 1982
- Athletic Hall of Fame – University of Western Ontario, 1982
- Outstanding Service Award – Canadian Orthopaedic Association, 1972