It is with a very heavy heart that we must share the news that our colleague and friend Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli has passed away. We have lost a cherished colleague, friend, and leader.
Dr. Sebastianelli started his service with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) as an Oral Examiner in 1999, later serving as a Case Selector, and as a member of the Field Test Task Force. He joined the ABOS Board of Directors in 2018 and served as Vice President and Chair of the Written Examination Committee during his tenure. In addition to his dedication to the ABOS, he had many leadership roles throughout orthopaedic surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine.
Dr. Sebastianelli’s role as Medical Director at Penn State Sports Medicine meant more to him than being a team physician; Penn State was an important part of his family’s life. His dedication to athletes was unwavering, and he went above and beyond to make all feel like a part of his family.
While he was a great orthopaedic surgeon, he was an even better person. He was kind, compassionate, generous, and incredibly caring. Dr. Sebastianelli seemed larger than life, almost invincible, yet always down to earth—he made a difference and touched so many lives in meaningful and lasting ways. He was always present and attentive to the needs of everyone around him. The world is a better place thanks to his contributions. We have lost a true friend and a trusted colleague. He will be greatly missed.
For Dr. Sebastianelli, it was always family first. Please keep his wife, Michele, and their children, Alyssa and Geoffrey, in your thoughts and prayers. As a consummate team player, Dr. Sebastianelli always put the needs of others ahead of his own. The ABOS remains committed to carrying that legacy of steadfast servant leadership.
