Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Community Outreach

Pediatrics

Charity Care Enriches Lives of Children

It's eight o'clock in the morning, but the children who line the clinic walls aren't complaining. They're waiting to see Campbell Clinic orthopaedist Dr. Bill Warner. Dr. Warner, along with two orthopaedic residents from the Campbell's training program, staff monthly specialty clinics in Memphis for indigent children with traumatic injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and scoliosis. Seeing approximately 75 to 100 patients each month, Dr. Warner treats those needing surgery at LeBonheur Children's Medical Center, with follow-up in the monthly clinics.

Without Dr. Warner's commitment to this program, these children would not have access to orthopaedic care, and many would be severely incapacitated by their deformities. Straightening of a scoliotic spine, correction of clubfoot deformities, straightening of legs severely bowed by rickets, muscle transfers to improve motion and strength in a palsied extremity all greatly improve the quality of life for these patients, often resulting in an active, happy child, a high-school graduate, and an independent employee. Dr. Warner makes quarterly trips to Children's Special Services Clinic in Tupelo where he will see approximately 60 indigent children with congenital limb deformities, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, congenital hip dislocations, and a variety of other musculoskeletal problems. This clinic, and a twice-yearly one in Clarksdale, are also part of the outreach program provided for patients who have no insurance or other resources.