In MemoriamIn Memory of Frank John Frassica , MD
Frank was an internationally respected orthopaedic oncologist who cared for his patients as if they were his own family. His impact extended, however, far beyond his direct patient care. Frank was a prolific researcher, academic leader, and dedicated educator. He mentored and sponsored many of us who followed him, inviting us to join him in AAOS Instructional Course Lectures, book chapters, and as faculty at educational courses. He was simply a generous person who understood that elevating his colleagues benefitted the entire orthopedic oncology community. At his heart, Frank was an educator. I believe he loved this activity the most. Frank received Teacher of the Year honors at Johns Hopkins, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. He received the American Orthopaedic Association “Distinguished Clinical Educator” award. At Mayo Clinic he was recognized as a “Teacher of the Decade.” Many benefited from his outstanding OITE and board review lectures. Richard Schaefer, MD, shared with me that when Frank came to Bethesda to lecture the military residents, he spoke about translocations related to sarcoma with the caveat that, “This information won’t help you in Iraq, but it may help your pass your boards.” Frank’s commitment to service defined his life. He was a patriot and graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy for three years before medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina. During his internship at Bethesda Naval Hospital he met his wife, Debbie (an amazing radiation oncologist). Orthopedic residency and orthopedic oncology fellowship followed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. As a younger resident at Mayo Clinic during Frank’s tenure there, I smile when remembering the picture Frank had on his desk of his wedding day: Frank looking so dashing in his dress whites and Debbie simply radiant. A prolific researcher and writer, Frank was unparalleled in his publishing productivity during residency and fellowship. At his residency graduation dinner roast, the slide which elicited the most laughter showed the cover of JBJS with the words “Written by Frank Frassica, MD” added. We appreciated the truth in the image. Years later Frank shared with me that he was very touched in that moment, that his peers recognized his dedication to advancing the science. All of us (residents) knew Frank was going to become a legend. After Mayo, Frank returned to the service of our country as the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and Subspecialty Surgeons for Field Hospital Five during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. After his tour, Frank shared with us at an Ivins Society meeting his experiences in the desert. It was a riveting presentation. Frank spoke about the abundance of rush rods and lack of external fixators. Somehow Frank managed to obtain fixators and we learned the military motto, “It is easier to ask forgiveness than seek permission.” Dr. Frassica knew exactly when he needed to apply this principle. In 1992 Frank joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins University. He was promoted to the rank of full professor and built a world-class multi-disciplinary sarcoma center. In 2000 Dr. Frassica became Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and advanced its clinical, educational, and research missions to strengthen its international reputation. Supported by his grateful colleagues, students, patients and friends, Johns Hopkins recognized Frank’s extraordinary contributions with the establishment of the Frank J. Frassica, M.D. Professorship in Orthopaedic Surgery. After retirement from Hopkins in 2014, Frank continued clinical practice at MedStar Health for several years before retiring to Naples, Florida with Debbie. Dr. Frassica served as President of our Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (2003-2004) and General Secretary of the International Society of Limb Salvage. Dr Panayiotis Papagelopoulos said it best, “His leadership, wisdom, and professionalism earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues around the world.” Frank is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Anne Frassica, M.D., his children, Anne-Marie, Carolyn, and Frank as well as their spouses and four grandchildren. I am collecting tributes from colleagues and friends to share with Debbie. If you would like to contribute, please email me at [email protected]. I am sure that Debbie will appreciate your memories of Frank. In closing, Dr. Frank J. Frassica fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. We are all blessed to have known him. We will miss him. Requiescat in pace, Frank. Respectfully submitted, |
The international orthopaedic oncology community lost a great friend and leader with the passing of