Ronald J. Kendig, MD, Memorial

Dr. Ronald J. Kendig was a longtime faculty member in our department. Since joining the UMMC family in 1984, Dr. Kendig was an invaluable asset to the numerous residents whose careers he has helped to shape. He also impacted the lives of the thousands of Mississippi children whom he treated throughout the years. Those of you who have had the opportunity to work with, be treated by or just be friends with Dr. Kendig over the last 20 years know how much his presence both professionally and personally is sorely missed.

The department wanted to remember Dr. Kendig in a special way. Dr. William McCraney, former orthopedic resident, and his wife, Kathryn, came to us with the idea of honoring Dr. Kendig with a memorial that will benefit the children of Mississippi.

We met with the Junior League of Jackson in the planning stages for the Mississippi Children's Museum's separate areas. The Junior League provided the vision for the museum, which opened in 2010. The "Boney You" exhibit, in Dr. Kendig's honor, was completed shortly thereafter.

This exhibit enables children and adults to learn about bone health, injuries and nutrition. Children can view broken bones, try on a cast, ride a bike along with a skeleton, make a skeleton dance by moving joints, and discover why healthy choices are best for their bones.

We continue to accept donations to provide educational literature, needed maintenance and repairs. Contributions are tax-deductible and are used solely to fund this undertaking.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of us or Amy Kraus at (601) 984-5153. More information about the Mississippi Children's museum can be found at the museum website.

Sincerely,

Robert A. McGuire, MD
M. Beckett Howorth Professor
Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

James L. Hughes, MD
Professor Emeritus
Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

William O. McCraney, MD
2000-05 Orthopedic Resident and 2005-06 Hand Fellow
Capitol Orthopedics and Sports Medicine