The George Cierny III Award is given annually for career long excellence that exemplifies collaboration in patient care and research for musculoskeletal infection, as judged by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. It was initiated in August 2013, as a tribute to George C Cierny III, a charter member of the society who promoted collaboration locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
George C Cierny III
Born and raised in San Diego CA, George attended University of California Berkeley(BA 1969) and earned the degree of Medical Doctor from University of California Los Angeles, Geffen School of Medical (MD 1974). He completed a surgical internship (1975) and orthopaedic residency (1979) at Parkland Hospital, University of Texas, in Dallas. He completed the fellowshipinClinical Pathology and Orthopaedic Oncology under Wm. F. Enneking, MD at the University of Florida, College of Medicine (1980). George was certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1981. Dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development George furthered his training by detailed study of the Methods of Ilizarov, in Lecco, Italy (1990). He achieved academic status of Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta Georgia,July 1991.
George was a world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon and a productive scientist who devoted his career to research and treatment of musculoskeletal infection.His writings include 45 papers in peer review journals and 46books, chapters, invited reviews and abstracts. He pioneered and was the first orthopedic surgeon in the United States to publish on the application of the principles of cancer treatment to musculoskeletal infections. In 1983, together with Jon Mader MD, he published the Cierny-Mader Classification for osteomyelitis, which remains the standard today.
He was a founding member of the MusculoSkeletal Infection Society (MSIS) and served twice as its President, in 2000 and 2007. George gave tirelessly to his profession as an active member of many professional societies and committees: ASAMI Int, EBJIS, AAOS, AATB, ACS, AMA, AOA,COA, LLRS ASAMI NA- President 2007-8, FICHM, MSTS, SIS, UHMS,WTA.
Away from work George engaged all aspects of life, he has four grown children and three grandchildren; agourmand chef, avid gardener, andloved life. He moved back home to San Diego in 2006, where he relivedwhat he loved, surfing ride his bike in the hills of La Jolla and visit his old memories. Lastly, George was a very close friend and advocate of all MSIS members.
Facilitated by Doreen DiPasquale MD, his wife and colleague, the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) has established a Fund in his honor. This Fund will continue the work of Dr. Cierny by funding researchers to investigate the most clinically relevant treatment for patients with musculoskeletal infections. This was his wish. You can donate in George's memory to The George Cierny Fund at OREF - on.oref.org/Cierny
