A new tradition honors a visionary’s legacy while embracing global health and the future of orthopaedic surgery. The Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation launched the Kristaps J. Keggi Memorial Lectureship this spring as a tribute to late Professor Kristaps Keggi, MD. This prestigious series will stand as a powerful tribute to the extraordinary life, groundbreaking achievements, and worldwide recognition that Keggi garnered during his long career, earning a name that became synonymous with pioneering advancements in orthopaedic surgery.
A Pioneer's Journey and Enduring Impact
Born in Riga, Latvia in 1934, Keggi's early life was marked by the upheaval of World War II. He and his family fled war-torn Europe, eventually immigrating to the United States. His enduring connection with Yale University began shortly after his arrival, where he matriculated as a member of the Yale College Class of 1955. Over an illustrious career spanning more than five decades, Keggi left an indelible mark on the world of medicine through his innovative advances, particularly with his anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty.
Keggi's most significant contribution lies in his early recognition and unwavering championing of the direct anterior approach (DAA) to hip replacement surgery. This minimally invasive technique, introduced by Keggi at Yale in the 1970s, minimizes muscle damage and significantly accelerates patient recovery times. The DAA has since transformed the lives of countless patients and has become the widely accepted gold standard for hip arthroplasty worldwide. Reflecting on his mentor's profound influence, Lee Rubin, MD, section chief for Hip & Knee Joint Reconstruction at Yale and Keggi’s last fellow, says, "Dr. Keggi’s innovative techniques have transformed patient care and set new benchmarks in the field of orthopaedic surgery.”
A Tribute to a Visionary Leader
The newly established annual lectureship is thoughtfully designed to perpetuate Keggi’s remarkable legacy as an international orthopaedic surgeon. Each year, Yale will have the honor of welcoming a distinguished, internationally renowned arthroplasty surgeon to its campus. This visiting professor will engage with Yale’s students, residents, fellows, and faculty, delivering Grand Rounds and engaging in academic teaching sessions to share their invaluable expertise and insights, and participating in enriching discussions, exchange of research, faculty mentorship, and cultural exchange.
Rubin spearheaded this significant undertaking, emphasizing the profound impact of his mentor, “Dr. Keggi’s impact on orthopaedics is immeasurable. He was not only a brilliant surgeon but also a true global citizen. This lecture series will serve as a lasting tribute to his innovative spirit and his dedication to fostering international connections within our field.”
The lectureship will stand not only as an academic forum but as a vibrant celebration of Keggi’s dedication, ingenuity, storied career, and lifelong commitment to advancing orthopaedic surgery.
Inaugural Lecturer: Professor Dr. Professor Rajesh Malhotra
The inaugural Kristaps J. Keggi Memorial Lecturer was the esteemed Professor Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, who serves as the Clinical Lead at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, India. Malhotra is the former Chair at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences – India's most distinguished academic medical center. He is a globally recognized figure in orthopaedic surgery, celebrated for his extensive experience, exceptional leadership, and numerous prestigious accolades, including the B.C. Roy National Award for Eminent Medical Teacher.
Malhotra has served in numerous leadership roles, including as the past president of the Indian Orthopedic Association, as the current president of the Asia Pacific Osteoporosis and Fragility Fracture Society, and is the incoming president of the Indian Society of Hip & Knee Surgeons. His pioneering efforts have been instrumental in the widespread adoption of the direct anterior approach to hip replacement surgery across India over the past decade.
Chair and Ensign Professor of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Lisa Lattanza, MD, says, "Launching this annual international lectureship marks a pivotal moment for our department and the field of orthopaedics worldwide.”
“By convening the brightest minds across borders, we foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge, spark innovation, and work to elevate the standard of care for patients globally,” she adds. “Not only does orthopaedics at Yale continue to be at the forefront of advancement, but this endeavor underscores our unwavering commitment to shape the future of musculoskeletal health for all."
“We are incredibly honored to have hosted Dr. Malhotra as our first visiting lecturer,” Lattanza says. “His dedication to broadly advancing orthopaedic care in India, his committed engagement with surgeons and academic societies around the world, and his embrace of the direct anterior approach, deeply embody Dr. Keggi’s work and global vision.”
Fostering Future Leaders Through Global Collaboration
The establishment of the Kristaps J. Keggi Memorial Lectureship builds upon the significant work of the Keggi-Kimball International Scholars Program, another vital initiative championed by Keggi. Recognizing the critical global shortage of orthopaedic surgeons, this unique program at Yale focuses on cultivating future leaders in total joint replacement surgery through advanced surgical training, dedicated mentorship, and cultural exchange.
Since its inception, the program has facilitated enriching experiences for surgeons from various countries, including Latvia, Turkey, Vietnam, China, Georgia, Italy, Ghana, Canada, and India. Participants benefit from immersive visiting rotations at Yale and other international settings, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and expanding their understanding of global healthcare challenges. The program aims to expand its reach to other critical regions, including Central and South America, India, and Africa, to further strengthen the global network of orthopaedic expertise and embodying Keggi’s vision of international collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance patient care worldwide. The Keggi-Kimball Fund for International Orthopaedic Education at Yale University generously covers the expenses associated with the visiting professor’s visit and the scholars program.
A Legacy Rooted in Innovation and Research
The Division of Hip & Knee Joint Reconstruction at Yale Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation stands as a powerful testament to Keggi’s pioneering spirit. The division continues to uphold Keggi’s legacy through its unwavering commitment to comprehensive patient care, the adoption of cutting-edge surgical techniques, and a robust and diverse research program.
Faculty members are actively involved in studying the outcomes of joint replacement surgeries using large national databases, developing innovative biomaterials and implant designs in collaboration with researchers in biomedical engineering and materials science, and implementing evidence-based strategies to minimize surgical infections – all with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of orthopaedics.
Rubin emphasizes, “Dr. Keggi’s early adoption and refinement of the anterior approach transformed the way the world performed total hip replacements. His dedication to innovation continues to inspire our work in the division every day.” That tradition of innovation, continually inspired by Keggi’s groundbreaking work, ensures that the division remains at the forefront of transforming patient care through pioneering research.
Perpetuating a Profound Impact
The establishment of the Kristaps J. Keggi Memorial Lectureship marks a significant milestone for Yale’s Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation. It will serve not only as an enduring tribute to a remarkable individual whose contributions have indelibly shaped the field of orthopaedic surgery but also as a powerful reaffirmation of Yale’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation, promoting vital international collaboration, and cultivating the next generation of orthopaedic leaders.
Through initiatives like the Keggi-Kimball Visiting Scholars Program and the newly established Keggi Memorial Lectureship, Yale continues to stand at the forefront of medical advancements, driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and global health. These efforts ensure that Keggi’s profound impact on the world of medicine will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Rubin aptly captures the essence of this significant initiative by concluding, “The Kristaps J. Keggi Memorial Lectureship will stand as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. It honors the legacy of a remarkable surgeon while forging a path towards future advancements in orthopaedic surgery.”