Family and friends, from near and (very) far gathered October 30 to celebrate the life and legacy of Kay C. Daugherty, who served the CCF from 1978-2021.

With stories and reflections shared by Dr. Fredrick M. Azar, Dr. Jim Beaty, Dr. David LaVelle and Kay’s son John Daugherty—who joined via Zoom from Japan—the room was filled with joy, warmth and admiration for Kay.
The Campbell Clinic Library was renamed the Kay C. Daugherty Center of Orthopaedic Education. The walls now bear two plaques, one which lists donors who have made gifts in Kay’s memory, and another, which speaks to Kay’s life and impact. It reads:

Kay C. Daugherty served the Campbell Clinic and Campbell Clinic Foundation for more than 43 years, leaving an indelible impression on orthopaedic surgeons and partners around the world. Her loyalty and service to the Campbell family and orthopaedic community were second to none.
First serving as the Foundation Librarian later Medical Editor, it was often said that Kay had read more orthopaedic literature than anyone who has ever lived.

Under her direction, nine editions of Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics, hundreds of presentations and thousands of publications took the Campbell name worldwide.
However, she was so much more than an editor. As Dr. David LaVelle said, “One of her greatest contributions may have been as one who counseled, encouraged and even mothered hundreds of orthopaedic residents during some of their hardest days. She was loved.”

The Kay Daugherty Center of Orthopaedic Education honors the roles Kay played in our lives and the legacy she left as a mentor, a teacher, an editor, a partner, and an ally.
Dedicated October 30, 2024

“It’s a privilege to honor Kay,” Dr. Azar said. “Her contributions are legendary. She cemented Campbell’s place as the bible of orthopaedics. And our staff, our colleagues and the editors knew that.
“But that’s not all she did. She was someone who you wanted in the bunker. If there was a crisis or a problem to solve, you wanted Kay. She was no-nonsense, direct and honest. She was part mother, therapist and teacher for all of us.”
Rest well, Kay. You are missed and loved

Donations to the Kay Fund may be sent directly to the Campbell Foundation or online Here