Members of the Hinchey Family are pictured in the center of this photo. They are (in a dark suit) William W. Hinchey, M.D., San Antonio pathologist; his wife, Joann Hinchey; and son, John William Hinchey. The family led the effort to establish the John J. Hinchey, M.D., Chair in the Department of Orthopaedics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The chair honors the memory of Dr. Hinchey’s late father, orthopaedic surgeon John J. Hinchey, M.D. Pictured with the Hincheys are longtime family friends (left to right) Charles A. Rockwood, Jr., M.D., Professor and Chairman Emeritus of Orthopaedics at the Health Science Center; Ronald P. Williams, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chairman of Orthopaedics and holder of the Hinchey Chair; and Fred G. Corley, M.D., Professor of Orthopaedics.

“He was the consummate physician,” William W. Hinchey, M.D., said as he described his father, John J. Hinchey, M.D. “He always saw and treated the whole person. The patient had his whole attention. He was a very caring man, believed in the Hippocratic Oath, and lived it.”

John J. Hinchey, M.D., (1915-2000) was one of the premier orthopaedic surgeons of the 20th century. He practiced his profession in San Antonio for more than 40 years and served as a clinical faculty member at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he taught orthopaedics residents. He was married to Mrs. Kathryn Hinchey.

The John J. Hinchey, M.D., Chair in the Health Science Center’s Department of Orthopaedics was established through the donations of residents, referring physicians, orthopaedic colleagues, and current and former patients and their families. The endowed chair, which is invested in the Long Term Fund, benefits the teaching of orthopaedic residents and enables the Health Science Center to retain a faculty member the caliber of its holder, Ronald P. Williams, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chairman of Orthopaedics.

The Hinchey Chair and other endowments bring tremendous value to the Health Science Center. Endowments enhance the academic environment that shapes future health care providers and researchers. Every donor who establishes an endowment makes a difference in the lives of others, and serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through giving.

Dr. John J. Hinchey helped found the medical schools at the Health Science Center and Texas Tech University. He was active in the Bexar County Medical Society and the Texas Medical Association, and was the first Texas orthopaedic surgeon to lead the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “I am proud to hold the chair that bears his name,” said Dr. Williams, whose expertise is orthopaedic oncology.

Dr. John J. Hinchey led by example, which has affected his family but also his many colleagues. In 1967, he recruited Charles A. Rockwood, Jr., M.D., to be the founding Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics. Dr. Rockwood is now Professor and Chairman Emeritus. A world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon who developed a total shoulder replacement system, he is honored by an endowed chair in his name: the Charles A. Rockwood, Jr., M.D., Chair in Orthopaedics. He also made a gift to support the Health Science Center’s missions.

Another colleague, Fred G. Corley, M.D., a hand specialist and Professor of Orthopaedics, is honored by the Fred G. Corley, M.D., Chair Fund in Orthopaedics. The Hinchey Chair, the Rockwood Chair and the Corley Chair Fund are examples of endowment funds that today benefit orthopaedic education.

John J. Hinchey, M.D.

With those kinds of positive influences, it isn’t surprising that Dr. John J. Hinchey’s son, Dr. William Hinchey, and grandson, John William Hinchey, followed him into medicine. Dr. William Hinchey, a San Antonio pathologist, is a 1978 graduate of the School of Medicine and is active in the Alumni Association. He is president-elect of the Texas Medical Association. John William Hinchey, a medical student at the Health Science Center, plans to specialize in orthopaedics.

Leadership by example was a hallmark of Dr. John J. Hinchey’s life as he inspired his son, his grandson and his colleagues, and as he continues to be an inspiration to the Health Science Center.