More than a week ago, we lost our co-founder, Dr. Lawrence Dorr. His CV is pages long; his accomplishments in and contributions to the field of orthopedics fill history books.
Twelve years ago, almost to the day, Total Joint Orthopedics was born. The idea was simple: our surgeon founders wanted exceptional implants with intuitive instrumentation that any surgeon could use, with one caveat: implants would be donated for use with Operation Walk and other charitable entities.
It all started for me in October 1992. Dr Dorr had the greatest influence on my professional career. I am thankful for how he and Jeri Ward taught me to care for patients as I began my career as a physical therapist at USC. I am grateful for the hundreds of friends I have made as a result of his team and Operation Walk. I am thankful for the opportunities given to travel the world to teach and treat patients and by “multiplier effect”, their families.
It is always my goal to have his spirit and vigor represented with each and every patient I treat. Never dull, never grew tired of treating patients, loved his family and his country, literally changed the lives of tens of thousands of people either directly or indirectly through his surgery or education/mentorship.
Fearless
Visionary
Demanding (of self and others )
Compassionate
Leader
Skilled
Funny
And the list goes on…
I am certain I would not be the healthcare provider or teacher I am today if not for his stewardship and passion. Fight on!
I was fortunate to have met Dr. Larry Dorr on several occasions. He led our team on our inaugural mission trip to Nicaragua in 2003. There were also encounters while attending Operation Walk Leadership meetings in California over the last 15 years.
Most recently, while manning the Operation Walk booth at the AAHKS meeting in Dallas, TX in 2019, Dr. Dorr stopped by to check on us and chat.
His smile is what I will always dwell on.
Not only infectious, his broad grin conveyed approval, enthusiasm, encouragement and exuberance.
Many have dreams and ideas, Dr. Dorr turned his vision into a reality.
He taught me so much and I will be forever grateful that I got to meet and work with him. He had the heart of a lion and will continue to be a huge inspiration to me.
His loss will be felt around the world.
Love and condolences to his family.
A mentor, a leader and a father. You taught me about cigars, wine, and the important things: people, teamwork, patient care, surgery, having a routine, not fixing what isn’t broken.
Gone, but you still live on in all of us who have had the grace and good fortune to learn from you.
For those of us in Orthopaedics, we thank you for your innovations of cancellous titanium, partially coated anatomic stems, bone type, computer and robotic surgery, and the spinopelvic relationship, amongst the many. These innovations have improved so many lives.
I will do my best to make sure your legacy of Operation Walk lives on.
Compassion, and what it meant, was a topic talked about at the supper table and taught in the Des Moines parsonage home of the Rev. M. Everett Dorr and Evelyn Dorr, the parents of Lawrence D. Dorr.
Hearing as a youth that giving a helping hand to those in desperate need would be the most powerful thing he could ever do shaped in large part the life of Lawrence Dorr and took him to a distinguished, influential career in medicine and recognition as an internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon.
Dr. Lawrence D. Dorr surrounded by his team in Cuba. He raised us to be World Class in joint replacement but that was not all.
You can see it in our eyes. We love that man.
Thank you God for letting us go along with him for the ride.
His legacy did not end ….we are still on his mission.
We take our vacation time and go to places where people need help and we do it with love. My tribute to Dr. Dorr will be to take that baby and nurture it as he nurtured us.
Dr. Dorr, you left your baby in great hands.
Hard to find the right words as I’m filled with sadness and gratitude.
Because of Dr. Lawrence Dorr, I had the opportunity to learn from the best in every aspect of health care. His vision and leadership blended perfectly with humility, compassion and loyalty touched many lives… from those who worked with and for him and for those he served with his brilliant mind and precise hands.
I am saddened by his passing as we’ve lost an extraordinary human being. I’m also extremely grateful that I have many memories to share with so many friends whom I met because of him.
Have a peaceful journey, Dr. Dorr. I will miss you.
The world is less brilliant today. We are sad to share the news that the founder of Operation Walk, Dr. Dorr passed away this morning. He was an inspiration to all of us at WOGO. He was an avid supporter of our team and an incredible mentor for many in Orthopaedics. We will proudly carry on his legacy and continue to restore mobility through joint reconstruction surgeries for those who would not otherwise be able to receive these life changing surgeries.
Love and hugs from our team to yours,
WOGO
Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach
I am at a loss for words…..
He was a gift from God with all his greatness. His heart and soul was filled with a kindness he shared completely. He gave back in a way that not many could ever accomplish to help those in need along with all those who for years have been by his side.
I for one am so grateful not only to have known Dr. Dorr but that he gave me the second chance of mobility.
God bless Dr. Lawrence Dorr. May he rest in peace among the Angels.
