In Memoriam: Dr. Marcel Dvorak, Orthopedic Surgeon

Marcel Dvorak, a decorated orthopedic surgeon, passed away on May 9, at the age of 65 at his home in Vancouver, Canada, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Dr. Dvorak was a NASS member for 21 years, and the 2012 Leon Wiltse Award winner, which recognizes excellence in leadership and/or clinical research in spine care. “I always appreciated seeing Marcel at spine events over the years,” said Eric Muehlbauer, NASS CEO. “He was not only a gifted lecturer, but also someone who generously gave his time to engage with anyone who had questions, always eager to share his insight and experience. He was involved when NASS held its annual meeting in Vancouver many years ago—he welcomed us with such warmth. His passing is a profound loss to the field, and he will be deeply missed.”

Dvorak was head of the Vancouver Spine Surgery Program at Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia’s only specialized center for spine and spinal cord injuries and one of Canada’s largest referral centers for complex spinal trauma and spinal disorders. He is survived by wife Sue and their six children.