Orthopaedics

History of Kernan Hospital and Sports Medicine

UMMC's Orthopaedics Program ranked as one of the nation's top best by U.S. News & World Report's 2011 "Best Hospitals" survey.

Kernan Hospital began treating the injuries of Maryland's professional and college sports stars in the 1950s long before the emergence of sports medicine. Beginning with the NFL Baltimore Colts, the hospital provided surgery and physical therapy for players, including star quarterback Johnny Unitas, helping them to recover from injuries and get in shape during the off-season. Sports legends Wes Unseld and Johnny Unitas have served on the Kernan Board of Directors.

Over the years, teams treated have included the NBA's Baltimore Bullets, the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, the University of Maryland Terrapins, the UMBC Retrievers and Coppin State Eagles. Sports medicine and specifically, the treatment of sports injuries for members of the Baltimore Colts football team, brought Kernan acclaim among athletes and weekend warriors alike.

When the Colts came to Kernan for orthopaedic repairs in the 1950s, they brought trainer Ed Block and his assistant Bill Neill with them. Neill stayed with Kernan even when the Colts left town.

Neill's career with Kernan began in 1952. In 1954, along with a group of local physicians and football players, he helped to spearhead the development of the University of Maryland Sports Medicine program.

Neill is currently Kernan Hospital's Director/Chief of Physical Therapy.

For more information on our sports medicine related programs and services, click on any of the links below:

This page was last updated on: January 15, 2013.

For more information about UM Orthopaedics or to make an appointment, call toll-free at 1-877-771-4567 or 410-448-6400, send us an e-mail or complete our secure contact form.