DINESH G. PATEL, MD, chief of MGH Arthroscopic Surgery, is widely recognized as a world pioneer in the field of arthroscopic surgery – a minimally invasive procedure that uses an endoscope and specially designed surgical instruments to examine and treat damage to a joint. OnJune14,theMGH Department of Orthopædic Surgery’s Shoulder and Sports Medicine Service hosted a special event at the MGH Sports Medicine Center commemorating the history of arthroscopy and the unveiling of the Dinesh G. Patel, MD, Arthroscopy Learning Laboratory. More than 200 guests packed the center to honor Patel.

Harry E. Rubash, MD, chief of Orthopædic Surgery, welcomed attendees, including Patel’s wife, three children and eight grandchildren. Rubash described how Patel had completed significant parts of his training at the MGH, including serving as chief resident and as a clinical and research fellow in Orthopædic Surgery. He also explained Patel’s long history of contributions to the MGH and arthroscopic surgery, saying,“Dr. Patel is a fine example of the ingenuity of MGH surgeons and researchers. His pioneering work in the field of arthroscopic surgery was instrumental in making the MGH a world-renowned center of excellence in this area. He is a tremendous asset to our department and a friend, colleague and mentor to many.”

Thomas J. Gill Jr., MD, chief of the Sports Medicine Service, then presented an overview of the history of the discipline, referring to Patel as “one of the founding fathers of arthroscopic surgery of the knee.” As a former trainee of Patel’s, Gill explained that Patel has made enormous contributions by helping to devise new arthroscopic instruments that are still used today.

“As a resident, I was amazed watching Dinesh perform surgeries effortlessly, much like a musician,” he said.“Before you knew it, he was done. He is never fazed during surgery.”

Patel then took to the podium and expressed his gratitude to the MGH and all of the guests for supporting him throughout his career.“The success of MGH Arthroscopic Surgery has been a combined effort by every one,” he said.“This is not about me. It’s about the public, private, government and medical community collaboration.” He also spoke of his love for teaching and mentoring the new generation of arthroscopic surgeons.“I strongly believe in the future. It’s important to train our trainees and continue to work to make things safer. Quality of care and safety for healing the hurt is what the MGH believes and what Orthopædics and the Sports Medicine Service believe. I am quite fortunate to have spent much of my career at the MGH, teaching students about quality of care and reducing health care costs. I am overwhelmed by this recognition today, and I thank Harry,Tom Gill Jr. and Tom Gill Sr., Bertram Zarins, Barbara Dunderdale,Walter Guralnick and many others for their support.”

At the culmination of the event, a ribbon was cut at the entrance of the Dinesh G. Patel, MD, Arthroscopy Learning Laboratory.The lab offers residents, fellows, medical students and other trainees the opportunity for computerized simulation training with models of the knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle.

For more information about the Department of Orthopædic Surgery, access www.massgeneral.org/ortho.

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