In Memoriam: Our Dear Friend and Board Member, Thomas L. Bernasek, MD
FORE is devastated by the passing of our friend and board member Thomas Lane Bernasek. For 25+ years, Dr. Bernasek was a supporter and believer in FORE’s mission to improve orthopaedics through research and education. In addition to being an incredible surgeon, he believed that conducting research would lead to better outcomes for his patients. To that end, he served on the board of directors of FORE and oversaw 20 research studies in collaboration with scientists, engineers, residents, and fellows. This research made a worldwide impact through 60 peer-reviewed publications and 115 presentations at national and international meetings.
In addition to his research endeavors, he was passionate about training the next generation of surgeons. Over the course of his career, he personally trained more than 100 residents and fellows, who have gone on to treat patients all over the world. He also gave his time and skill to Operation Walk, volunteering on surgical missions since 2023 to restore mobility for patients who otherwise wouldn’t have access to joint replacement surgery. Earlier this year, FORE collaborated with Dr. Bernasek to create the first course designed to train surgeons on revision hip and knee surgery in a realistic, hands-on lab setting. The Tampa Revision Arthroplasty Course (TRAC) was the culmination of his vision to create a course that addressed one of the most technically challenging procedures in hip and knee surgery.
While he was known as a world-renowned surgeon, those of us who were lucky enough to work with him remember him as a down-to-earth, caring, and passionate person with a great sense of humor. Dr. B had a way of making you feel like family and we always enjoyed having him stop by the research offices, especially when he had his rescue dog by his side.
We will miss Dr. Bernasek dearly and the FORE family extends its heartfelt condolences to his family.