Michael Clancy, orthopedic surgeon

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 4, for Michael Clancy, 71, of Rydal, a leading orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, who died of complications from cancer Thursday, May 12, at home.

Dr. Clancy retired in 2000 as chairman of orthopedics and sports medicine at what is now the Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. He joined the department in 1977 as a surgeon after training at Temple with orthopedist John W. Lachman, known for his test to diagnose tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Dr. Clancy later became the John W. Lachman professor of surgery at Temple.

Dr. Clancy worked to build one of the region's premier centers for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders at Temple. Further, he widened treatment options for patients by advocating for the creation of a network of satellite offices in the suburbs.

The centers took a team approach, combining the skills of physicians, physical therapists, and certified athletic trainers.

"Michael knew the value and efficiency of true teamwork. He treated his trainers, therapists as well as resident physicians, as full members of the recovery team," his family said in a tribute.

Dr. Clancy also served as chief of staff at Shriners Hospital for Children-Philadelphia, which treats youngsters with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and club feet, according to its website.

Due to Dr. Clancy's influence, Shriners Hospital moved in 1998 from Northeast Philadelphia to Temple's health sciences campus in North Philadelphia. Shriners Pediatric Research Center now is housed at the university's Medical Education and Research Building.

"He was a driving force in negotiating these agreements," said Dr. Larry Kaiser, president and CEO of Temple University Health System.

Kaiser added: "Legions of residents, faculty, staff and patients deeply cared about him. Beneath that stern demeanor was a heart of gold. He was a true pioneer in athletic medicine. His accomplishments were monumental. So was the man."

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Clancy was the son of Matilda and James Clancy. In 1962, he graduated from Lincoln High School, and four years later earned a bachelor's degree from Lehigh University, from which he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

In 1970, Dr. Clancy received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical School, and served a surgical internship and later a residency in orthopedic surgery at Temple.

Afterward, he served in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1977 with the rank of lieutenant commander.

His high profile as team physician for the 1982-83 NBA champion 76ers made him a medical celebrity to local athletes and their parents, his family said.

On retiring in 2000, he was honored by the Temple University Auxiliary with the Diamond Award for his devotion to the university. In addition, a conference room for residents was named after him.

Even in retirement, Dr. Clancy worked part-time teaching orthopedic surgical residents at Temple, and he served as executive director of the Temple Shriners Orthopaedic Alumni Association until his death.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jacquelyn Bush Clancy, and two nephews.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4, in the John Lachman Auditorium at Temple University's Katz School of Medicine, 3500 N. Broad St. Burial was private.

Donations may be made to the Temple Shriners Orthopaedic Alumni Association, 1940 Heritage Rd., Huntingdon Valley, Pa. 19006, c/o Albie A. Weiss.

bcook@phillynews.com

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