A Trailblazing Surgeon’s Legacy Lives on Through Endowed Chair
June 09, 2025
When Yair Kissin, M.D., began his fellowship training at The Insall Scott Kelly Institute in 2007, he knew he’d be learning from the best. His teacher, Michael A. Kelly, M.D., was a leading expert in knee surgery, both sports medicine and knee replacement, and one of the best educators of orthopedic surgery in the New York metropolitan area.
Dr. Kissin didn’t realize that he would also gain a lifelong mentor, colleague and friend.
Dr. Kelly touched many lives through innovation, education and patient care. He was the longtime chair of the department of Orthopedic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. Throughout his career, he contributed to medical literature, educated hundreds of orthopedic surgeons and developed the techniques, technology and implants that changed how knee replacements are done today.
“I can’t think of anyone else who has made so many contributions—big and small—to so many people’s lives,” says Dr. Kissin. “He left an indelible mark on the field of orthopedics, industry, technology, his colleagues and his patients.”
‘Building on His Life’s Work’
Dr. Kelly passed away in 2022 after a long battle with prostate cancer. But those who were closest to him knew his work wasn’t finished.
In 2024, Dr. Kelly’s wife, Sarah, and the couple’s adult children, Michael Jr. and Alexa, made a generous donation to Hackensack University Medical Center to create the Dr. Michael A. Kelly Endowed Chair in Orthopedics. This position ensures that a leading orthopedic physician will always have the resources to continue important research and teaching in Dr. Kelly’s name. Dante Implicito, M.D., regional chair of the department of Orthopedic Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health, became the inaugural chair.
“Michael was the ultimate team player who wanted everyone to succeed. And he was a true professor, mentor, clinician and friend to many,” says Sarah. “When I sat down with Drs. Kissin and Implicito, we agreed that we needed to honor Michael at the highest possible level. And the highest, most fitting memorial in academia we could offer in his name is an endowed chair.”
“I saw the far-reaching impact of Mike’s passion for advancing orthopedics, commitment to education and genuine concern for others,” says Dr. Implicito, a colleague and friend of Dr. Kelly for many years. “With the generous support of the Kelly family, this endowed chair will allow us to work toward achieving Mike’s goals and honor his legacy by building on his life’s work.”
For Sarah, Michael Jr. and Alexa, the endowed chair will ensure that Dr. Kelly’s legacy will live on—and continue to grow.
“Michael had such great mentorship early in his career. We saw the endowed chair as a way to give back,” says Sarah. “It will benefit so many, just like Michael did—and we are proud to be able to honor him in this way.”
"Dr. Kelly has left an enduring legacy at Hackensack University Medical Center through his remarkable contributions to the field of orthopedic surgery," said Robert Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health.
“While his presence is deeply missed, his impact lives on through the lives he touched, the excellence he brought to patient care and now, this generous endowed chair from his family. This is a powerful tribute to his memory, ensuring that patients will continue to receive the highest level of care and that his commitment to advancing orthopedic medicine will inspire future generations."
Next Steps & Resources:
- Make a gift to the Dr. Michael A. Kelly Endowed Chair in Orthopedics Fund and Be The Difference for the future of Orthopedic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.
