Dr. G. Dean MacEwen, an internationally renowned pioneer in pediatric orthopedic surgery, passed away on August 6, 2024, at age 96. Dr. MacEwen’s contributions to the field have left an indelible mark, influencing countless surgeons and shaping the field of pediatric orthopedics. Born on November 10, 1927, in Metcalfe, Canada, MacEwen was encouraged by his aunt, a nurse, to pursue a medical career. He earned his medical degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and completed an internship at the District of Columbia General Hospital, where he met his wife, Marilyn. He continued his training at the Campbell Clinic in Memphis, TN.
In 1958, Dr. MacEwen joined Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, DE, under the leadership of Dr. Alfred Shands. Over the next three decades, Dr. MacEwen established and elevated the field of pediatric orthopedics. Dr. MacEwen’s groundbreaking contributions include the development and modification of devices to treat scoliosis and congenital hip dysplasia, which continue to benefit patients today. He also established screening protocols for hip dysplasia in newborns and scoliosis in school children, improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Dr. MacEwen’s influence extended far beyond clinical practice. He was a charter member and president of several key orthopedic societies, including the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS). His leadership was recognized with numerous awards, including the POSNA Distinguished Achievement Award and the SRS Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. MacEwen was also a devoted educator, mentoring countless pediatric orthopedic surgeons who have carried on his legacy worldwide. He established the International Pediatric Orthopaedic Research Fellowship, allowing young orthopedic surgeons from around the globe to study in Wilmington. His commitment to education extended to Wilmington University, where he served on the Board of Trustees for 40 years and helped expand the health sciences program.
After retiring from Nemours Children’s in 1987, Dr. MacEwen continued his work at the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and later at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. His legacy is further cemented by the establishment of the Shands/MacEwen Orthopaedic Care Center, the Shands/MacEwen Endowed Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the Dr. G. Dean and Mrs. Marilyn MacEwen Educational Fund at Nemours Children’s Health.
Dr. MacEwen is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Marilyn, and their five children, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on October 19, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dr. G. Dean and Mrs. Marilyn MacEwen Educational Fund at Nemours Children’s Health, supporting the education of future leaders in pediatric orthopedic surgery. Gifts may be made online at www.nemours.org/macewen or by check mailed to Nemours Children’s Health Alliance, Shands House, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803.
