Honoring the Legacy of Clifford H. Turen, MD

Dr. Clifford Turen came to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center as a fellow in 1988, and after completing his fellowship, spent four years in the Navy as chief of the orthopaedic trauma service at the Portsmouth Naval Regional Medical Center in Virginia. Following his completion of active duty, he remained as an active Reservist for the next 23 years, attaining the rank of commander. Dr. Turen returned to Shock Trauma as a part-time consultant and surgeon from 1990 to 1993. He then remained there full time from 1993 to 2009. From 1993 to 2005, Dr. Turen was Director of the Orthopaedic Traumatology Fellowship, which contributed to the education of countless fellows and residents who rotated through Shock Trauma. From 1999 to 2001, he was Program Director of the University of Maryland Orthopaedic Surgery residency program. In addition, he was Chief of Orthopaedics at Shock Trauma from 2002 to 2005.

“Cliff was one of the premier surgeons that I’ve ever worked with in orthopaedics,” said Dr. Andrew N. Pollak, The James Lawrence Kernan Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics. Dr. Pollak described his colleague and friend as an “outstanding educator.” “Cliff could fix problems others had difficulty with and could teach them how to do it,” said Dr. Pollak. “He was larger than life.” Shock Trauma Center Director Dr. Thomas M. Scalea, another longtime friend and colleague, adds, “Cliff’s effect was international.”

In memory of Clifford H. Turen, MD—an extraordinary surgeon, educator, and leader who made countless contributions to the field of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery—the University of Maryland has established a fellowship endowment fund. The Clifford H. Turen, MD Fellowship Endowment Fund will honor the very best young trainees and renowned scholars in the field of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery, providing support in two areas of utmost importance to orthopaedic trauma professionals.

Clifford H. Turen, MD Fellowship Endowment Fund 
Fellowships offer essential support to junior-level faculty as they establish research careers, gain teaching experience, and provide patient care. This fund benefits top trainees in the field of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery in a multitude of ways—supplementing salary, purchasing equipment, and paying for research expenses or professional travel. It is especially critical in today’s challenging economic environment, as few young faculty members qualify for salary and resource support from state and federal sources.

The Clifford H. Turen, MD Fellowship Endowment Fund will additionally support an annual lectureship in the field of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery by covering travel and expenses for world-renowned scholars to visit the University of Maryland. Lectureships are essential to the intellectual enrichment of the University and the scientific community at large because they provide the opportunity for scholars from other institutions to share their ideas and research findings at lectures and seminars. In turn, these guests learn from our faculty members, whom they meet during their visit.

Make a gift to the Clifford H. Turen, MD Fellowship Endowment Fund.