Robert Campbell, PSOM
Robert M. Campbell, Jr., a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at CHOP, founder and director of CHOP’s Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (CTIS), and PSOM professor of orthopaedic surgery, died on July 29. He was 67.
Dr. Campbell obtained his bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1973 and his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical School in 1977.
Dr. Campbell is best known for inventing the VEPTR (Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib) device, which is used to treat rare diseases of the spine and chest wall through surgical expansion of the chest and correction of spinal deformity without inhibiting children’s growth. His primary focus at CHOP, which he joined in 2009, was to expand the VEPTR program and explore new devices, deepen research into the natural history of TIS and develop further advances in treatment. Dr. Campbell was the first to identify thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS).
Dr. Campbell founded the CTIS when he came to CHOP, assembling an interdisciplinary team to evaluate complex spine and chest wall deformity patients and provide growth-sparing surgical care. In addition to providing surgical care for TIS patients, he also treated routine pediatric orthopaedic conditions, such as scoliosis, developmental dysplasia of the hip and clubfoot.
Earlier this year, Dr. Campbell was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his work at the Rare Impact Awards, an annual event organized by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
Dr. Campbell taught in the Perelman School of Medicine as a professor of orthopaedic surgery clinician-educator, beginning in 2011. He led a joint Penn-CHOP research team developing advanced dynamic lung MRI analysis of thoracic performance and also worked with the FDA to create a national database of pediatric MRI imaging of normal children to be called “The Virtual Growing Child.” He testified to the Senate Committee for Health in support of the 2007 Pediatric Medical Device Safety and Improvement Act.
Prior to joining CHOP, Dr. Campbell held the President’s Council Chair in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
He is survived by his wife, Corey; his children, Abigail and Noah; three stepsons, Ryan, Sean and Jake; sisters, Susan Walkden (James) and Betty Firestone (Greg); brother, John (Kathleen); nieces and nephews, Susanne, Rob, David and Rachel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thoracic Insufficiency Research Fund at CHOP, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178. Write “in memory of Dr. Campbell” on check.