Louis U. Bigliani, MD, FAOA is being recognized as an AOA Pillar of the Orthopaedic Profession for his leadership, mentoring, and lifelong contributions to orthopaedic surgery during his distinguished career. The champions for this effort on his behalf are William N. Levine, MD, FAOA and Xavier A. Duralde, MD, FAOA.
Bio
Louis U. Bigiani, the Frank E. Stinchfield Emeritus Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University
In 1968, Dr. Louis U. Bigliani graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with an A.B. in Sociology and Premed Sciences. He also played three years of varsity tennis being elected Captain in his senior year.
In 1972, he graduated from Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine, with an MD Degree and received the Founders Day Outstanding Student of the Year Award. In 2002 he was chosen for the Stritch AOA Alumnus of the Year Award and in 2022 the Stritch Alumnus of the Year Award for Excellence in Education.
In 1972, Dr. Bigliani spent 2 years at the Roosevelt Hospital in New York City for an internship and one year of general surgery residency. He then went on to complete his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the Department of Orthopedics at Columbia University and Columbia- Presbyterian Medical Center in 1977. The following year he was appointed Chief Resident and completed fellowships in Shoulder Surgery and Hip and Knee Replacement under the mentorship of Charles S. Neer II and Frank E. Stinchfield. Dr. Bigliani chose a career in academic orthopedics concentrating on shoulder surgery and remained at Columbia his entire career.
He was a founding member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons in 1982 and President in 1997/1998. Dr. Bigliani was secretary of the founding Board of Trustees of the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (1990-1996). He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2022 to 2005. Dr. Bigliani was Chairman of the International Board of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery from 2010 to 2016. The Board supervises the triennial International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery attended by over 2,000 participants every three years at different locations around the world.
In 1990 he became the Chief of the Shoulder Service following Charles S. Neer II and held the position until 2013, when William Levine succeeded him. During his time on the shoulder service Dr. Bigliani trained over 100 North American and International shoulder fellows. He has authored more than 200 peer reviewed journal articles, 80 Book chapters and 190 published presentation abstracts. His work contributed to major advances in shoulder instability, rotator cuff disease, subacromial impingement, nerve injuries, and reconstructive arthroplasty. In 2001, he and William Levine, founded the Columbia Shoulder Society. The Society holds a biennial meeting, which is relaxed and family oriented but allows free exchange of ideas and knowledge of shoulder and elbow surgery, thus maintaining communication, friendship and family contacts.
In 1998, Dr. Bigliani became the Frank E. Stinchfield Professor and Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University as well as Director of the Orthopedic Service at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia campus. In 2008, Dr. Bigliani served as President of the Medical Board of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He was named Physician of the Year by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in 2011. From 2011 to 2014, he was elected President and Chairman of the Board of Columbia Doctors, the Faculty Practice Plan of Columbia University Medical Center.
Dr. Bigliani became a member of the American Orthopedic Association in 1990. He served on numerous committees through the years and chaired the Critical Issues Committee (2003-2006). In 2007 -2008 he was chosen to be the 121st President of the AOA. In 2024 he was recognized by the AOA for Distinguished Contributions to Orthopedics during his career.
Dr. Bigliani is married to Anne B. Krementz, M.D., a retired general surgeon as well as an expert in the field of Horticulture. She is a Horticulture Judge for the Garden Club of America. They have 2 married daughters, Anne Louise Nieto (Tom) and Suzanne Hlavacek (James) and three grandsons, Thomas Daniel Nieto II (8), Andrew Louis Nieto (5) and James Howard Hlavacek III (5).
The AOA gratefully acknowledges Dr. Bigliani’s extensive and comprehensive impact on the orthopaedic community and recognizes him as an AOA Pillar of the Orthopaedic Profession.
Tribute
“Dr. Louis Bigliani is a true pillar in orthopedic surgery, distinguished by his lifelong dedication to patient care, education, and research. He was not only an exceptional surgeon but also an inspiring mentor and researcher. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of learning from many giants in the field, but none have influenced me more than Dr. Bigliani. He has been my chair, role model, mentor, sponsor, ally, colleague, and also, a dear friend. I am thrilled to see Louie recognized as a “Pillar in Orthopedic Surgery.” His former fellows, residents, patients, and friends have always rallied behind him, and this moment is no exception. Thank you, Louie, for your profound impact on generations of patients and surgeons. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
William N. Levine, MD, FAOA
Dr. Bigliani’s Co-Champion
“A generation of shoulder surgeons owe their careers to Dr Louis Bigliani whose teaching style allowed him to explain the most complex concepts concerning the shoulder in a way that was accessible to everyone from a general orthopedic surgeon to a PhD researcher. He nurtured an environment of constant inquiry and advancement that has resulted in exponential improvement in our management of complex shoulder problems and his fellows have spread throughout the world to improve patient care. His patient-centered philosophy is best exemplified by his advice to me upon finishing his fellowship. “Teach everyone you meet everything you know.” This selfless attitude has assured improved patient care throughout countless communities. He is truly a Pillar of the Orthopedic Community.”
Xavier A. Duralde, MD, FAOA
Dr. Bigliani’s Co-Champion