Marvin Shelton Invited Lectureship in Orthopaedic Trauma

In recognition of his distinguished career and and dedication to the advancement of trauma surgery, the Marvin L. Shelton Invited Lectureship in Orthpaedic Trauma was established in 2021 by the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, in partnership with Dr. Shelton's family and friends. Dr. Shelton’s commitment led to a long career of excellence whose legacy still plays a role in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery today. Dr. Shelton’s leadership and innovation not only drove him to become the first African American attending orthopedic surgeon at CUIMC in 1968 but also motivated him to hone his craft and encourage others to take up the mantle of advancing trauma surgery.

During his time at CUIMC, Dr. Shelton also served as the Director of Orthopaedic Surgery and Head of the Residency Training Program at Harlem Hospital Center. Under his tutelage, the residency program gained full accreditation in 1968, making it the second program at a historically African-American institution to gain accreditation in the US. Dr. Shelton continued to lead the residency program for 30 years. He mentored and taught residents who would become the next leaders in orthopedic trauma, including Dr. Melvin Rosenwasser, Chief, Hand, Microvascular & Trauma Surgery in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at CUIMC.

Beginning in 2021, the lecture is to be given at each biennial meeting of the NYOH Alumni Association by a visiting professor prominent in the field of trauma surgery.

Honrees