New Chair of UT-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering Continues Legacy, Looks Toward Future

Frederick M. Azar, MD, a longtime Memphis orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, has been named the new Harold Boyd Chair of the UT Health Science Center-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering in the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

The chief of staff at Campbell Clinic and a professor and Sports Medicine Fellowship director in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Azar succeeds James H. Beaty, MD, an internationally renowned pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, who has served as the department chair since 2016. The leadership change was effective December 1.

"Dr. Beaty has shaped not only our College of Medicine, but the field of orthopaedics nationally and internationally," said Michael Hocker, MD, executive dean of the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine. "I've seen firsthand how he invests in every trainee, every patient, and every team member. The culture, expertise, and reputation he's built at Campbell Clinic and UT Health Science Center will guide this department for years to come, and we are all better for it."

"Dr. Azar shows the leadership, vision, and energy that will carry this department forward," Executive Dean Hocker continued. "I'm proud to see him lead this next chapter, strengthening our partnerships, inspiring the next generation of orthopaedic leaders, and advancing patient care across Tennessee and beyond."

Dr. Azar lauded Dr. Beaty's outstanding leadership and pledged to continue the work of his predecessor and others who have led the department.

"As I begin my tenure as chairman of the UT-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, my focus is to honor our legacy, while advancing a clear, mission-driven path forward," Dr. Azar said. "Guided by the UT System's mission to serve all Tennesseans through education, discovery, and outreach that strengthens economic, social, and environmental well-being, and the UT Health Science Center mission to transform lives through collaborative and inclusive education, research, clinical care, and public service, our department will continue to serve as a cornerstone of musculoskeletal excellence."

For more than a century, the partnership between Campbell Clinic and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has shaped orthopaedic care, education, and innovation for the Mid-South and the nation. "This enduring relationship is the foundation of our identity and strengthening it further will be central to our work," Dr. Azar said.

UT Health Science Center educates the majority of Tennessee's health care workforce and delivers excellent care through its vital partnerships with hospitals and clinics across the state. Physicians at Campbell Clinic have faculty appointments at UT Health Science Center and care for patients at hospitals throughout the Mid-South.

Additionally, residents, fellows, medical students, other health care providers, and researchers are trained and supported through the UT Health Science Center-Campbell Clinic partnership. A world leader in orthopaedic procedures, Campbell Clinic has trained more than 1,000 residents and fellows during the 100-year partnership and is now training physician assistant students, nursing students, and other professionals.

"We will enhance our educational programs, expand our research footprint, elevate our clinical care, and deepen our outreach efforts to ensure we meet the needs of patients and communities across Tennessee and beyond," Dr. Azar said. "Our work will align closely with institutional priorities, reflecting our shared commitment to improving health, advancing knowledge, and preparing the next generation of orthopaedic leaders."

Dr. Azar said he is committed to supporting Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, and Executive Dean Hocker, as they advance their strategic vision for the university. "Our department will be an enthusiastic partner in their efforts to foster innovation, promote academic excellence, expand clinical impact, and enhance the culture of collaboration across UT Health Science Center."

An active participant in a number of community philanthropic organizations, Dr. Azar is in his third year as co-chair of the ALSAC/St. Jude Board of Directors and Governors. He has been a board member since 2012.

Dr. Azar served as the team physician for the Memphis Grizzlies and was selected as the 2012 NBA Team Physician of the Year. He is a former president of the NBA Physicians Association and currently a consultant to the NBA. He also serves as a team physician for the University of Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College, Christian Brothers University, Christian Brothers High School, and the Memphis Redbirds.

Dr. Azar earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the UT-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering and a fellowship in sports medicine at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. His is a past president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and and is currently a senior director of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Azar has authored and edited numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and other publications. He is co-editor of "Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics" and "Campbell's Core Orthopaedic Procedures." He has served as a visiting professor and lecturer nationally and internationally.

Service, Mentorship, and Clinical Excellence

"It has been a privilege and honor to serve our department, our university, and Campbell Clinic," said Dr. Beaty, who plans to continue supporting the department and the university as an Emeritus Professor. "My sincere thanks to all those who allowed me to serve."

Dr. Beaty played a pivotal role in shaping the future of orthopaedic care in Memphis and beyond. His mentorship instilled the values of integrity, curiosity, and patient-centered care in generations of residents and fellows, ensuring that his legacy continues through those he has trained.

His scholarly achievements include numerous publications and textbook chapters that have enriched the field of orthopaedics. He has guided the profession at its highest levels through top leadership roles in national organizations, including president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, and the Tennessee Orthopaedic Society.

Dr. Beaty has edited seven textbooks, including "Fractures in Children" and "Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics," authored 58 book chapters, and published nearly 70 peer-reviewed scientific articles. He has given hundreds of scientific presentations and served a guest lecturer and visiting professor nationally and internationally.

During his tenure as department chair, more than 150 fellows and residents trained under his leadership. In 2018, the James H. Beaty MD Pediatric Orthopaedic Visiting Professorship was established at Campbell Clinic to honor his legacy and spirit of learning.

"I am so very proud of our medical students, residents, and our faculty, watching their accomplishments and their careers progress," Dr. Beaty said. "Dr. Fred Azar is an excellent physician and proven leader, who I know will lead our programs to even greater success. We are all committed to the mission of the university in research, education, the highest quality patient care and service to our community."