John M. Flynn, MD, Chief of the Orthopedic Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), recently discussed his three-decade career at the hospital and the changes he has witnessed in pediatric orthopedic care.
Dr. Flynn began his tenure at CHOP Orthopedics in 1996 after completing a Pediatric Orthopedic Fellowship at Nemours Children’s Hospital, which was then known as A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children. Reflecting on that period, Dr. Flynn said, “I started my practice at CHOP Orthopedics in 1996, just a few days after completing a Pediatric Orthopedic Fellowship down the road at Nemours Children’s Hospital (then, A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children). I became the third full-time orthopedic surgeon within the Division. I chose CHOP Orthopedics because they were desperate for help with lots of trauma calls and covering a new satellite office in Exton. I sensed I could be useful immediately. Thirty years ago, CHOP Orthopedics was small and not well known nationally. Shriners Children’s Hospital and DuPont dominated pediatric orthopedic care in the Philadelphia region.”
Over time, Dr. Flynn has seen significant growth and improvement within CHOP’s orthopedic division. He noted, “Since 1996, CHOP Orthopedics has progressed from third best in the Philly region to #1 in America almost every year (as recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Children’s Hospitals). Our Orthopedic Surgery Clinical Fellowship is the most coveted training program for future pediatric orthopedists, and when we seek a new surgeon, the response is overwhelming — so many want to join our group!”
Dr. Flynn’s leadership spans roles as surgeon, researcher, teacher, author, innovator, collaborator and leader over his thirty years with CHOP.
