The AANA community mourns the passing of Champ L. Baker Jr., M.D., who will be remembered as a leader and innovator for arthroscopy and sports medicine. Receiving his undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University, Dr. Baker went on to complete his orthopaedic surgery residency at Letterman Army Medical Center Children while on active duty in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He completed a subsequent sports medicine fellowship at the Hughston Clinic prior to joining their staff.
A true pioneer in sports medicine, Dr. Baker developed several procedures, including arthroscopic surgery for tennis elbow and hip bursitis, that are still commonly used in operating rooms today. He was named the Pioneer of Sports Medicine from Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth as well as the Jack C. Hughston Physician of the Year by the Georgia Athletic Trainers Association. He has received numerous awards and authored the “Hughston Clinic Sports Medicine Field Manual” in addition to publishing scientific articles and editing or co-editing a number of medical textbooks. He has chaired instructional courses and led scientific presentations both nationally and internationally. Dr. Baker was set to give the John C. Kennedy, M.D., F.R.C.S.C. Lecture at the AOSSM/AANA Specialty Day 2020 program prior to its cancellation and transition to a virtual format.
Dr. Baker has been a longtime member of AANA, joining the membership in April 1985 when the organization was in its infancy. He quickly became involved and served on several committees, including the Fellowship Committee, which he chaired from 1994-1996, and Learning Center Committee. He also served on the Arthroscopy Journal Editorial Board and the Video Supplement Editorial Board.
Dr. Baker was considered a remarkable doctor and possessed a true gift for teaching. His contributions to orthopaedics and minimally invasive surgery will serve as a great impact for years to come. AANA is fortunate to have grown under his various contributions.