Ashley Lectureship Series Promotes Continuing Education

The department of orthopedics at Shriners Children’s Northern California recently hosted the annual R. Kirklin Ashley Lectureship Series to honor its commitment to advancing care through clinical excellence and continuing education. A mixture of over 30 surgeons, physicians, residents and physician assistants, among other medical professionals, attended the full day of lectures and presentations free of cost.

The education event was moderated by Amanda Whitaker, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Children’s Northern California and her colleagues. There were in-depth discussions about complex limb deformity in addition to resident and fellow case presentations, and conversations about research advancements.

Every year since 1993, a guest of honor who is a leader in the field of orthopedics, attends the event as a lecturer to share case presentations, research and best practices. This year’s guest of honor and lecturer was Christopher A. Iobst, M.D., director of the center for limb lengthening at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Dr. Iobst produces award-winning research in advances of limb lengthening and bone regenerate formation. He teaches numerous courses yearly, including the Baltimore Limb Deformity Course, Essentials of Lower Extremity Reconstruction, Controversies in Limb Reconstruction and the International Pediatric Orthopedic Symposium. He is on the editorial board for Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, and Journal of Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction, and in the presidential line for the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society.

Leaving a Legacy

Since 1993, The R. Kirklin Ashley Lectureship Series has honored the contributions of a great surgeon and legendary teacher who inspired many orthopedists by his kindness, compassion, quick diagnostic skills and superb surgical technique.

A native of San Francisco, Dr. Ashley graduated from Princeton University and Temple University School of Medicine. After his internship, he spent two years on active duty in the United States Navy. While a resident in orthopedics at Temple University, he spent a year at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, where he began a labor of love that lasted his entire career.

Dr. Ashley joined the medical staff at the San Francisco Shriners Children’s hospital in 1953. He became assistant chief of staff in 1968 and provided excellent leadership as chief of staff from 1981 to 1991. He continued to serve the children of Shriners Children’s in clinics, conferences and in the operating room as chief of staff emeritus until his death in 1996. Respected by his colleagues as an outstanding surgeon, he is regarded for his kindness and remembered as a doctor who would often stop in the hallway and take the time to chat with a child.

In her husband’s memory, Elizabeth Ashley created the R. Kirklin Ashley Spine Research Endowment, which funds ongoing research focused on the treatment of pediatric spine deformities at Shriners Children's Northern California.

Commitment to Educational Opportunities

Shriners Children’s is committed to providing quality educational opportunities for physicians and other healthcare professionals. Relationships with more than 35 major educational affiliates are maintained, helping to foster an academic environment. In addition, Shriners Children’s medical teams help educate health professionals around the world so that more children may be helped closer to where they live.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Shriners Children’s Northern California as one of the nation’s top providers of pediatric orthopedic care. Expertise, innovation, technology and research converge to create a facility where children benefit from a collaborative culture of care that always puts patients first. Excellence extends to all disciplines and accommodates children with complex needs.