"In Memorium
Paul W. Lapidus, M.D. 1893-1981
It is with great sadness to announce the death of my mentor and friend, Dr. Paul W. Lapidus, on November 23, 1981.
Dr. Lapidus received his Medical degree from the University of Odessa and imigrated to New York City in 1923. He became the first intern of The Hospital for Joint Diseases in 1924-1925 and subsequently graduated from Long Island Hospital Medical School in 1926.
Always interested in Orthopaedic Foot Pathology, he amassed a huge volume of material while acting as Consulting Orthopaedist for the New York Armed Forces Induction Center in World War II and the Hotel Trades Health Center for 25 years.
In 1954 Dr. Lapidus established and became Chief of the first Orthopaedic Foot Clinic and Service in the country, at The Hospital for Joint Diseases. This clinic serviced over 3000 patients per year and provided the material for specialized resident training and , subsequently, Foot Fellowships.
Dr. Lapidus was one of the original Founders of the American Orthopaedic Foot Societyl His interest in anthropology of the foot was reflected by his studies done at the Museum of Natural History with Dr. Gregory and his membership in the American Association of Physical Anthropologists.
He was, literally, the father of Orthopaedic Foot Surgery, writing original articles on hallux valgus with metatarsus primus varus, overlapping fifth toe, peroneal spastic flat foot, soft tissue lesions of the foot, the toenail, claw hallux, and the inconstant bones of the foot.
He was a keen observer, an astute clinician, a dedicated sincere teacher, and above all, an honestly frank, stern disciplinarian in respect to his students, patients, and especially himself. He remained academically active, even after his retirement, completing an indepth Chapter on "The Toenail" shortly before his death.
In spite of his many contributions and world reknown, he remained humble and maintained his sense of humor. On one occasion, when asked how a patient walked prior to her surgery, his answer was "Like a duck." And after the surgery? "Like an operated duck."
We have all lost by his passing.
Melvin H. Jahss, M.D. Editor-in-Chief Foot & Ankle"
Printed in the January 1982 Vol. 2 No. 4 issue of FAI- Foot & Ankle Intl.
