Lynne Calman

I have experienced Hospital for Special Surgery from many perspectives over the course of nearly one-third of its 163‑year history: from a patient’s bed, to its library bookshelves and archival boxes; from a surgical table to the stage of a spine symposium. I have been a patient, a volunteer, a visitor, and a living part of its history.

After Hurricane Sandy in 2010, volunteers were given T‑shirts that read “I Am HSS.” I wear that shirt proudly—and I take it personally. This is my HSS story.

My family’s connection to HSS began in 1963, HSS’ centennial year, when our orthopedist at a Bronx medical center, Dr. Bernard Jacobs, referred my brother Jack to Dr. Cobb for scoliosis. Assisted by Dr. Veloskakis, Dr. Cobb performed my brother’s surgery and placed him in what was then called a “turtle” or turnbuckle cast for nine months. Jack received home instruction for his senior year of high school and went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard and build a successful career as a scientist. Jack was Dr. Cobb’s last patient.

Three years later, in 1966, it was my turn. Treatment had evolved to the Harrington Rod technique, with a smaller cast and shorter immobilization period. I was first seen by Dr. Wilson, Jr., who entrusted my care to Dr. David B. Levine. I became Dr. Levine’s very first Harrington Rod patient at HSS.

I was a young teenager with a severely curved spine, yet because of the care I received at HSS, I grew up to be confident, build a fulfilling career, and fully enjoy my life. During my recovery, I received home instruction, but I also vividly remember attending classes in the NYC Department of Education’s public schoolroom on HSS’s fifth floor, across from the elevators. Sheila Rubenstein taught me “frog breathing.” Nurses wore distinctive hats, each representing their nursing school. I shared rooms with girls in halo casts. Families traveled from all over the world—even by private plane from Mexico—so their children could receive the best scoliosis care available.

Years later, when I needed hip replacements in 2000, Dr. Levine had retired, so I returned to Dr. Wilson, Jr. Though no longer operating, he reassured me by saying, “Any of my guys—I trained them all. They’re terrific.” As I entered his office, his longtime secretary, Mary Birnbaum, recognized me. Moments later, she retrieved my original chart from 1966 and even offered to contact Dr. Levine. Two days later, Dr. Levine called me personally to offer guidance on my hip surgery.

My hip replacements were performed by Dr. Pellicci, with a later revision by Dr. Della Valle. Dr. Pellicci’s final patient appointment before his retirement was with me - an honor I hold dear.

Before Dr. Levine retired completely, I visited him one last time. I was newly married, and he told me that when I was ready to start a family, he would advise me on the right doctor. When that time came, his guidance ultimately led me down a path that helped me give birth to twins.

I later became an HSS volunteer in the Archives Library, assisting Dr. Levine with research for his acclaimed book, Anatomy of a Hospital. Studying HSS’s history - often reading about events and procedures I had lived through - was deeply meaningful. I affectionately dubbed myself “Lynne, the Living Archive.” I was proud to see Dr. Levine’s portrait installed alongside other HSS legends.

In 2013, I performed a song I wrote to honor HSS’s 150th anniversary at the Employee Talent Show. In 2017, I was listed as a “Special Guest” in the program for the Celebration of the Investiture of Frank Schwab as the David B. Levine Chair in Scoliosis, with photos featured in the commemorative book. Dr. Levine also featured me in the June 2025 Spine Symposium.

Today, I continue my care at HSS as an osteoporosis patient of Dr. Lane. Over the years, I’ve had consults and follow-ups with many remarkable HSS physicians, including Dr. Salvati, Dr. Sculco, Dr. Rawlins, Dr. Shen, and Dr. Owusu‑Sarpong. Numerous family members - my sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and close friends - have also entrusted HSS with their hip and knee replacements, and every one of them has echoed the same praise.

Since 1966, Dr. David B. Levine has remained a constant presence in my life - not only as a physician, but as a mentor and compassionate human being. In his honor, I offer these words:

In a world that’s not so serene

It’s so nice to know there’s a kind human being

A doctor, a leader, so caring, so keen

From all that he knows, from all that he’s seen.

His influence and writings have created a theme

For others to emulate and thoughtfully glean.

Know that he’s held in the highest esteem,

For he is a star of the HSS team.

With deep thanks and enduring appreciation to all who put the “Special” in Hospital for Special Surgery,

Lynne Calman