Formal Investiture of Dante Implicito, M.D., as Inaugural Dr. Michael A. Kelly Endowed Chair in Orthopedics at Hackensack University Medical Center Takes Place, Thanks to Generous Gift

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation is proud to announce the formal investiture of Dante Implicito, M.D., as the inaugural holder of the Dr. Michael A. Kelly Endowed Chair in Orthopedics. A special ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 19 at Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes, marking a significant milestone in orthopedic medicine and academic excellence.

The endowed chair was established through a generous gift from Mrs. Sarah Kelly and her children, Michael Jr. and Alexa, to honor the legacy of their beloved husband and father, the late Dr. Michael A. Kelly, a pioneer in orthopedic surgery and treasured leader at Hackensack University Medical Center.

"The Dr. Michael A. Kelly Endowed Chair in Orthopedics and its formal investiture to Dr. Implicito represents a bold commitment to shaping the future of orthopedic care,” said Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Dr. Michael Kelly was a true visionary whose influence touched thousands of lives, and through this endowed chair, we honor his lasting legacy. Dr. Implicito's leadership will ensure that excellence, innovation and compassionate care remain at the heart of Hackensack University Medical Center’s orthopedic program for generations to come."

“Michael was the ultimate team player – a professor, mentor, clinician and true friend to so many,” said Mrs. Kelly. “When I sat down with Dr. Implicito and Dr. Yair Kissin, vice chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, we agreed that establishing an endowed chair would be the most meaningful way to honor Michael's life’s work. I am so proud that his spirit will continue to inspire and support excellence in orthopedic care.”

A trailblazer in the field, Dr. Kelly was a founding member of the Insall Scott Kelly Institute in New York, a celebrated orthopedic surgeon and a dedicated educator who helped pioneer modern knee replacement surgery. Throughout his distinguished career, he published extensively, mentored hundreds of surgeons and held major leadership positions, including president of the American Knee Society and head team physician for the New Jersey Nets.

“This enduring gift from Mrs. Kelly and her family serve as a powerful recognition of Dr. Kelly’s extraordinary impact on Hackensack University Medical Center and the global orthopedic community,” said Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, the umbrella organization over Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. “Through the establishment of this endowed chair, Dr. Kelly’s passion for innovation and education will continue to inspire and advance orthopedic care for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to the Kelly family for their remarkable generosity and wish Dr. Implicito continued success as its inaugural chair.”

The Orthopedics department at Hackensack University Medical Center continues to grow, and has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and HealthGrades, among others.

“The top-25 nationally ranked orthopedics program at Hackensack can be attributed largely to the work of Dr. Kelly, who was a true visionary,” says Mark Sparta, president of the Northern Region of Hackensack Meridian Health. “He truly set the standard for world-class excellence and the aspirational expectations for the program. We are grateful for Dr. Kelly's steadfast commitment, leadership and unparalleled hard work, as well as the outstanding care provided by our current team of orthopedic surgeons - led by Dr. Implicito - who is very deserving of this honor. I know that Dr. Implicito will continue to champion our mission of providing life-changing care to our patients in the spirit of Dr. Kelly's lasting legacy.”

"The creation of this endowed chair is a fitting tribute to Dr. Kelly’s legacy and lifelong commitment to excellence," said Lisa Tank, M.D., president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center. "We are honored to celebrate his contributions and grateful to the Kelly family for ensuring his spirit of innovation continues to guide our Department of Orthopedic Surgery."

In his new role, Dr. Dante Implicito, regional chair of Orthopedics for Hackensack Meridian Health, will advance Dr. Kelly’s vision for clinical excellence, education and research.

“I am honored and humbled to be named the inaugural Dr. Michael A. Kelly Endowed Chair in Orthopedics,” said Dr. Implicito. “Mike was not only a colleague, but also a mentor and friend. Thanks to the Kelly family’s generosity, we will continue his mission to innovate and elevate orthopedic care.”

An endowed chair is among the highest honors in academic medicine, symbolizing a lasting investment in excellence, innovation and leadership. The Dr. Michael A. Kelly Endowed Chair in Orthopedics will ensure Dr. Kelly’s influence continues to shape orthopedic medicine for generations to come.

For more information about the Dr. Michael A. Kelly Endowed Chair in Orthopedics or how to support orthopedic advancements at Hackensack University Medical Center, please contact Richard Knupp, vice president of the Northern Region at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, at richard.knupp@hmhn.org or make a gift at GiveHMH.org/HUMC.