Dr. Alfred Swanson, hand surgeon, scientist humanitarian educator and pioneer in the field of orthopedic and hand surgery passed away April 27, 2016, at the age of 93.
His passion and dedication to the field is known worldwide, especially for his work in the development and application of silicone finger joint implants in the treatment of arthritis. He received his medical doctorate from the University of Illinois in 1947, and training in orthopedics at the Universities of Illinois, Northwestern and Indiana. During the Korean War, Captain Swanson served two years in the US Army Medical Corps in Fort Lewis, WA, before establishing his practice in Grand Rapids, MI, in March 1954.
In 1962, Dr. Swanson founded the Orthopedic Research Department at Blodgett Hospital where he pioneered the concept of using flexible implants for small joint reconstruction and performed the first ever biocompatibility studies of silicone in bone. In 1963, he performed the first human implantation of silicone in the humerus of a juvenile amputee to control bone overgrowth. After extensive testing, he established the feasibility of using silicone elastomer for finger joint implants and operated the first patient in 1964. Prior to their release in 1969, the implants were further evaluated in worldwide Field Clinic Trials. He went on to develop silicone, titanium and other implants for the wrist, elbow, shoulder and great toe.
Dr. Swanson served as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery, Director of the Grand Rapids Orthopaedic Residency (1954-2000) and Hand Surgery Fellowship (1962-2000). He was Professor of Surgery at Michigan State University and Chief of Staff at Mary Free Bed. His scholarship includes more than 300 publications and 700 presentations worldwide. He was President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (1979-1980) and International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (1983-1989). He received numerous prestigious awards as listed in his full obituary. In cooperation with Evelyn Mackin, he helped promote hand therapy as a specialty in the United States and initiate the American Society of Hand Therapists (1977), International Federation of Societies of Hand Therapists (1980), Journal of Hand Therapy (1987) and its International Issues (1993). He gave the Keynote Address, “Opportunities for Medical Statesmanship in our Society,” at the 6th ASHT Annual Meeting, March 6, 1983, Anaheim, CA. In 2004, he received the ASHT Honorary Membership Award in recognition for his long-term contributions.
He was a great educator of surgeons and therapists. More than 3,000 physicians and therapists attended the series of 22 annual International Symposia on Implant Arthroplasty in the Hand, Upper Extremity and Foot held at Blodgett Hospital.
He is remembered by many therapists, including Elaine Fess, who said, “The Philadelphia meetings, the international meetings -- he was a larger-than-life presence, a great teacher and always supportive of therapists.”
Linda Klein said, “I attended a course early in my career in Grand Rapids that he taught, mostly for physicians. I learned so much.”
Donna Breger-Stanton said, “He was important to the founding of ASHT -- a great friend to the therapists.”
Dr. Swanson held a yearly Christmas party for children at Mary Free Bed Hospital where, dressed as “Cowboy Al” and accompanied by his residents and therapists in character costumes, he sang and played his guitar (1954-2004). Amiably dubbed “skin and bones” team by colleagues, Geneviève de Groot Swanson, MD, surgeon, his wife of 47 years, and mother of their son Eric Alfred, was an integral part of his career. He will be remembered and missed by his “life” Geneviève, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as friends and colleagues from around the world.
Above, ASHT founding member Evelyn Mackin and Dr. Alfred Swanson. Courtesy of Judy Colditz.
Dr. Swanson demonstrating his high profile dynamic brace. Courtesy of Geneviève de Groot Swanson,MD.