Our History
Columbia Orthopedics' rich tradition in orthopedic surgery dates back to the founding of the New York Orthopaedic Dispensary in 1866–later renamed the New York Orthopaedic Hospital. Since that time, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center has grown into a preeminent center for orthopedic education, research, and patient care.
The history of the New York Orthopaedic Hospital is a story of scientific and clinical progress, generosity in the care of needy patients, and collaboration among prestigious institutions dedicated to promoting the highest standard of excellence in orthopedic health and professional education.
At the time of the institution’s founding, orthopedic surgery was a nascent specialty. Dr. Charles Fayette Taylor, along with benefactors Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., Howard Potter, James M. Brown, and John Aspinwall, as well as other Trustees, established the New York Orthopaedic Dispensary in 1866.
Initially founded as a charitable organization “for the purpose of furnishing treatment to the poor, with special reference to diseases and deformities of the bones and joints requiring surgical and mechanical treatment, and for giving instruction in the same,” NYOH would evolve, but always remain focused on clinical and academic excellence in service to its patients.
Over the next 150 years, ten Surgeons-in-Chief would direct the New York Orthopaedic Hospital, now the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Their leadership, alongside the groundbreaking contributions of numerous orthopedic luminaries, would help carry on the core missions of the institution: patient care, research, and education.
Milestones in Columbia Orthopedics' History
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1859
Dr. Taylor and the Roosevelts
(Left to right) Anna "Bamie" Roosevelt and Dr. Charles F. Taylor's "spinal assistant."
Dr. Charles Fayette Taylor treats Anna Roosevelt, sister of future president Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., for a spinal disease and gains an important financial sponsor - Theodore Roosevelt, Sr.
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1866
New York Orthopaedic Dispensary Founded
New York Orthopaedic Dispensary, 1299 Broadway, 1866
Founding of the New York Orthopaedic Dispensary (NYOD) at 1299 Broadway under the leadership of Dr. Charles Fayette Taylor, along with benefactors Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., Howard Potter, James M. Brown, and John Aspinwall, as well as other Trustees.
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1869
Service to Patients in Need
The Orthopaedic Dispensary's annual report outlined the mission of the institution, including its charitable and educational aims.
"This dispensary is organized for the purpose of furnishing treatment to the poor ... with special reference to the Diseases and Deformities of the Spine and Hip-joint and other of the more serious diseases of the bones and joints requiring surgical and mechanical treatment, and for giving instruction in the same." — New York Orthopaedic Dispensary Annual Report
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1873
Expansion to New Facilities
![The dispensary's new building at 126 East 59th street.]()
The dispensary's new building at 126 East 59th street.
In response to the growing number of patients, NYOD moves to a location at 126 East 59th Street with new facilities, expanded services, and dedicated hospital beds
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1875
New Name, Expanded Mission
New York Orthopaedic Dispensary and Hospital logo.
NYOD renamed as New York Orthopaedic Dispensary and Hospital, reflecting its expanded mission and addition of inpatient wards
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1876
Dr. Newton Shaffer - 2nd Chief
Dr. Newton Shaffer
Dr. Newton Shaffer becomes Surgeon-in-Chief and continues Dr. Taylor's tradition of conservative, mechanical treatment
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1899
Dr. Russell A. Hibbs - 3rd Chief
Dr. Russell A. Hibbs, appointed as Surgeon-in-Chief, performs the first successful operation to lengthen the Achilles tendon
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1902
Expansion to Westchester County
Opening of the Country Branch and Industrial school, a 40 acre facility in White Plains, NY
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1916
A State-of-the-Art Facility
NYODH moves to a newly built facility at 420 East 59th Street, which includes dedicated facilities for adult patients
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1918
Partnership with Columbia University
Dr. Hibbs appointed as first Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
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1953
World's First Humeral Head Arthroplasty
Dr. Neer performs the first humeral head arthroplasty using a device of his own design, which is now in the collection of the Smithsonian.
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1968
Dr. Marvin L. Shelton - Pioneer and Innovator of Trauma Surgery
![Black and white photo of Dr. Shelton in a tweed suit and tie with glasses]()
Dr. Marvin L. Shelton becomes the first African American board-certified attending orthopedic surgeon at CUIMC and the first to gain admitting privileges at an Ivy League institution.
