Robert G. (Bob) Volz 1932-2023

Robert (Bob) Volz, MD, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2023, at the age of 91. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1954 and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1957. He completed his orthopaedic training at the University of Kansas Medical Center and practiced for a time in Denver, Colorado, at Presbyterian Medical Center. An avid skier and mountaineer, Bob climbed almost all 58 of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado and led 5 trips to Nepal. While living in Colorado, he cofounded the Western Trauma Association.

In 1973, Bob was recruited to the University of Arizona to develop an adult reconstructive surgery program. At the University of Arizona, Bob started the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, now named in his honor, and cofounded the Arthritis Center, 1 of the first of 4 Centers of Excellence in the College of Medicine. Bob developed 1 of the first wrist prostheses, which was recognized by the American Hospital Association as 1 of the 10 major U.S. medical advances of 1974. He subsequently developed an elbow prosthesis and contributed to multiple innovative developments in total knee arthroplasty that are still utilized in implant designs today. He served as Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics from 1985 to 1992 and trained numerous residents and fellows during his tenure. He remained active in retirement, serving on the board of the Arthritis Center and volunteering in many developing countries. As a Professor Emeritus, he was recognized by the University of Arizona as 1 of its top innovators of the past 100 years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ann, and his children, Kathy, Tom, Amy, and Jack.

J.B.