John Mennell, M.D., orthopedist, professor, and author/lecturer on manipulative techniques, died in his sleep on Sept. 15th, at 5:30 a.m. GMT in Oxford, England. He was 76-years-old. He is survived by his wife Betty. The Mennell's had no children.
While many DCs were introduced to Dr. Mennell while studying his books in chiropractic college, some also remember him for his 1980 testimony in Wilk et al. vs. AMA. He stated then that medical residents coming into the hospital setting had "zero to about four hours" of studying the problems of the musculoskeletal system.
Dr. Mennell's father, James, was a pioneer in the field of manipulative medicine, and John followed his father's lead. John Mennell authored the influential books Back Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Using Manipulative Techniques; and The Musculoskeletal System: Differential Diagnosis from Symptoms and Physical Signs, among others. He also wrote numerous articles published in respected journals.
Dynamic Chiropractic asked Dr. Peter A. Gale, D.C. to write a tribute to Dr. Mennell:
The chiropractic profession and field of manual medicine has lost a master. The accomplishments and service this man has unselfishly given to the field of physical medicine and the sick is unmatched. An example of this dedication was to be his last lecture at Oxford University in England. Although very ill, he made the transcontinental trip to one of the world's most prestigious institutions of learning to lecture on manipulative therapy.Dr. Mennell had been on a tour of Europe that began Sept. 1, 1992, giving lectures on the continent and in England. On Friday and Saturday (Sept. 11-12), Dr. Mennell gave day-long lectures and instructional programs on manual medicine, orthopedic medicine, and joint manipulation.My first exposure to Dr. Mennell was through studying his many texts while in chiropractic school. I became frustrated with the disjointed approach taught at the time, nearly 13 years ago. The first of many books by Dr. Mennell I began to study was Joint Pain.
Early on in my practice career I came upon the opportunity to meet Dr. Mennell in an informal setting with Dr. Len Faye and Dr. Keith Innes for a weekend. The experience was truly enlightening and he changed my way of thinking and problem-solving in patient care.
The most striking quality about John Menell was his gentle kindness. So often a person of his stature and professional accomplishments is hardly approachable and extremely egotistical. Not so of John Mennell. His wonderful manner of teaching and his dedication to his students of manipulative therapy will be sorely missed.
Good-bye, my dear friend.
Peter A. Gale, D.C.
Needham, MassachusettsThe Last Days of Dr. Mennell
Edward Corboy Jr., M.D., J.D. recounts how Dr. Mennell spent his last few days:
"Dr. Mennell was like a second father to me, said Dr. Corboy. "I have known him for 15 years and have had the distinct pleasure of being a patient, student, colleague and friend of Dr. Mennell."
On Sept. 12th, Dr. Mennell received the "James B. Mennell Award," an award named after his father, a noted expert in manual and orthopedic medicine.
Dr. Mennell made many original contributions to science," Dr. Corboy said. "His five major books, his films and videotapes are classics. In his 53 years of practice he treated thousands of patients. He was... a man ahead of his time with regard to total, integrated diagnosis and treatment."
"Understanding joint dysfunction and the concept of normal and abnormal joint play were critical to his work and his teaching," Dr. Corboy noted. "He emphasized the entire musculoskeletal system in his teachings."
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday Sept. 18th in Oxford, England. A memorial service will also be held in Advance, North Carolina.
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