Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is pleased to announce that it has received a generous contribution from Steven P. and Brenda E. Arnoczky to establish the Steven P. and Brenda E. Arnoczky Endowment for Translational Orthopedic Research. This commitment is intended to provide support to talented investigators at HSS leading innovative studies to enhance care of orthopedic patients.

Steven Arnoczky, DVM, a veterinary surgeon and renowned scientist started his illustrious career in orthopaedic translational research at HSS over 45 years ago and was the founding Director of the Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research. Mentored by pioneers in orthopedic research at HSS, John L. Marshall, DVM, MD, Philip D. Wilson, Jr, MD, Russell F. Warren, MD, and Peter A. Torzilli, PhD. Dr. Arnoczky established one of the very first research programs in the U.S. focusing on soft tissues, and he was an early innovator in establishing collaborations between scientists and clinicians. His approach laid the foundation for his transformative research on preserving knee and shoulder joints after injury. Dr. Arnoczky brought the unique combined perspectives of a clinician-scientist, an individual who had a deep understanding of the clinical problems physicians face, and the scientific expertise to design novel laboratory studies to answer these questions. His approach led to many seminal discoveries that have advanced patient care. His research has been recognized by over 30 national and international awards, culminating in his election to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Hall of Fame, the highest honor in sports medicine research. Embodying the HSS philosophy of supporting the next generation of surgeons and scientists, Dr. Arnoczky supported numerous trainees, including HSS faculty, Scott A. Rodeo, MD, sports medicine surgeon and vice chair of Orthopedic Research and co-director of the Orthopedic Soft Tissue Research Program at HSS, and Jo A. Hannafin, MD ,PhD, through mentorship and collaboration as they developed federally funded research programs.

During his tenure at HSS, Dr. Arnoczky met his wife, Brenda, who was head nurse on the neurology/neurosurgery floor at New York Hospital (now New York-Presbyterian Hospital). This gift memorializes the role that HSS played in their lives. “HSS started me on an orthopaedic research career that would change my life. Like so many others whose lives have been enhanced by their time at HSS, Brenda and I are so very grateful for what HSS has meant to us. We are happy to be able to pay it forward with this enduring support,” said Dr. Arnoczky. 

As the No. 1 hospital in orthopedics for 13 straight years by U.S. News & World Report (2022-2023), HSS is a leader in research aimed at improving the lives of patients suffering from debilitating orthopedic and rheumatic conditions such as arthritis, bone and soft tissue injuries, autoimmune diseases, and musculoskeletal pain and deformities.

“This exceptional gift will help to ensure that there is sustained funding for leading-edge investigations taking place at HSS. We are pleased that Steven is building upon his past contributions to HSS as a scientist and mentor to many trainees with this gift, made with his wife, Brenda, to make a lasting difference for HSS and the field of orthopedics,” said Louis A. Shapiro, CEO at HSS.

“HSS is committed to delivering unsurpassed care and improving the field. The Arnoczkys’ gift will help us to continue developing treatments and explore emerging research topics to best improve clinical outcomes as grants will be awarded annually to projects and initiatives aimed at having a clear and measurable impact on patients,” said Dr. Rodeo. 

Through a competitive process, medical students, residents, and fellows collaborating with physicians and scientists on pilot translational orthopedic research projects will be invited to apply for a grant. A selection committee comprising of leading HSS physicians and scientists will evaluate applications. Grants will cover the cost of personnel, equipment, supplies, and other key research resources specific to investigators and their projects.

“We are deeply grateful for Steven and Brenda’s generosity which will enable talented medical students, residents, and fellows to accelerate breakthroughs that change people’s lives,” said Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA, president, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. 

The Arnoczky Endowment for Translational Orthopedic Research will build on HSS’s leadership position as the largest musculoskeletal research facility in the world.

“To see Steven give back to HSS in this way is deeply meaningful to those of us who worked with him early in his career. We join the entire HSS community in thanking the Arnoczkys and celebrating this visionary gift,” said Drs. Warren, Torzilli, and Hannafin, co-founders of the HSS Soft Tissue Research Laboratory.