IN REMEMBRANCE : Raymond Shea , MD March 6 , 1940 - April 2 , 2022
We lost a friend and partner , Dr . Ray Shea , on April 9 , 2022 , at the age of 82 . Dr . Shea was the founding member of the group he started , Raymond G . Shea MD PSC , in 1983 . Members of that group have included Dr . Edward Tillett , Dr . Arthur Malkani , Dr . David Caborn , Dr . Johnathan Yerasasimides , Dr . Mahusudham Yakkanti , Dr . Jeff Stimac , Dr . Paul McKee , Dr . Logan Mast and Dr . Neil Patil .
Dr . Shea was one of the leading orthopaedic surgeons in Louisville , Kentucky for over four decades . One of his biggest contributions to our community and the foundation for his success was his early adoption of arthroscopic surgery . The introduction of this technology , around 1970 , made it easier to shift from diagnostic arthroscopy to the surgical treatment of joint pathology . He was a pioneer in using this minimally invasive technology to treat injuries about the knee . There was a huge resistance to this new technique – the favorite saying of the doubters being , “ Why look through a keyhole when you can open the door ?” He became an expert in arthroscopic surgery and contributed to the University of Louisville Orthopedic Residency program by organizing the first arthroscopic surgery education rotation . He also organized , in 1986 , Louisville ’ s first arthroscopy meeting which featured Dr . Richard Caspari , who was also another pioneer in knee and shoulder arthroscopy .
His expertise in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine allowed him to become the head team physician for the University of Louisville football team . He served in that position from the Howard Schnellenberger era to the second coaching stint of Bobby Petrino – a total of 34 years . Dr . Shea had a true passion for UofL football . During the football season , he was a constant presence at the football complex with his almost daily trips to the training room and his attendance of the games , both home and away . He only missed one game in 34 years ! Although this was a huge time commitment , he developed personal relationships with coaches , training staff , players and their families . He was recognized as “ Doc Shea ” and helped everyone navigate through orthopedic and non-orthopedic medical issues . He was quick to refer injured players to the most qualified physician for the problem , using both his group partners and out-of-town consultants . The well-being of the injured player was his priority .
For his patients , he always made himself available and was a tireless worker . His humor and charm put them at ease . He had an engaging personality , allowing others to tell their story . He simply was a trusted doctor . He treated patients from all walks of life with the same compassion , empathy and surgical skill . Since Dr . Shea ’ s passing , many patients tell their story about how important he was in their lives , from surgical intervention to facilitating medical care with other specialties .
Dr . Shea was more than just a partner to us . He was a role model whom we learned so much from regarding patient care and paying attention to the needs of our office staff . The office staff for Dr . Shea was family . At the end of each office day , he would gather them and reflect on the day ’ s challenges and accomplishments . He was always the last one to leave . As his partners , we miss the conversations we had with him . He was wise , well-read and could talk to you about anything . Dr . Shea will be remembered for many accomplishments including his passion and love for sports medicine and football . He had a gift to make the people he worked with feel special . He was a great human being and will be deeply missed .
“ The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease .” - Voltaire
-James Baker , MD , David Caborn , MD , Arthur Malkani , MD , Logan Mast , MD , Paul McKee , MD , Neil Patil , MD , Margaret Popp , APRN , Edward Tillett , MD
DR . SHEA WAS A GLMS MEMBER FOR 49 YEARS .
22 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE