Tennessee Orthopaedic Society Mourns the Loss of Dr. Perry Merrill White, III
The Tennessee Orthopaedic Society is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Perry Merrill White, III, a long-standing and esteemed member of TOS and the medical community. Dr. White passed away on May 8, 2024, in Knoxville, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and excellence in orthopaedic care.
Born on March 20, 1952, in Houston, TX, Merrill was the son of Dr. and Mrs. Perry Merrill White Jr. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Furman University on an Army ROTC scholarship, where he met and married his beloved wife, Janet Collier White. After graduating from Furman, Merrill attended the Medical College of Georgia, completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, and undertook a spine fellowship at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia.
During his medical training and active military duty, Merrill and Janet welcomed three children: Robert, Bryan, and Helen. The White family eventually made their home in Knoxville, TN, where Merrill spent the past 30 years. Throughout his career, Merrill served in various leadership roles within the Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) and the broader orthopaedic community, establishing himself as a distinguished spine surgeon. After retiring from surgery, he became the Medical Director for TOA, dedicating six years to supporting the practice.
Beyond his professional achievements, Merrill and Janet shared a love for travel, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. In recent years, Merrill devoted himself to mission work through Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, participating in clean water initiatives with Living Waters for the World and medical missions to Guatemala with Porch de Salomon. His quiet leadership, work ethic, and intellect significantly impacted the lives of many both locally and internationally.
Merrill's memory will be cherished by his family and community. He is survived by his wife Janet; their children Robert (Parker), Bryan (Erin), and Helen (Thomas); his siblings Lynnette White, Kathy Long (Hank), and David White (Sharon); and his beloved grandchildren Avery, Perrin, Coco, Georgia, and Gwynnie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Freeman White and Perry Merrill White, Jr.
The Tennessee Orthopaedic Society extends its deepest gratitude to the nurses, surgeons, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and staff of the Parkwest Critical Care Unit for their compassionate care and support.
Dr. Perry Merrill White, III will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to orthopaedics, his unwavering devotion to his family, and his enduring impact on both local and global communities.
Dr. Tyler J. Brolin Named President of Tennessee Orthopaedic Society
The Tennessee Orthopaedic Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tyler J. Brolin of Campbell Clinic as its new President. With an illustrious career in orthopaedic surgery and a steadfast commitment to advancing the field, Dr. Brolin is poised to lead the society towards new heights of excellence and innovation.
His journey in medicine began with his undergraduate studies at Concordia College. His passion for orthopaedics was ignited during his time at University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where he earned his medical degree. This foundational education set the stage for a career marked by both clinical expertise and academic distinction.
Following medical school, Dr. Brolin completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at UT – Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics, one of the nation’s premier programs. His residency was characterized by rigorous training and exposure to cutting-edge surgical techniques, laying a robust groundwork for his future contributions to the field. Dr. Brolin further honed his skills with a fellowship in shoulder and elbow at the prestigious Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, where he had the opportunity to refine his surgical proficiency in complex shoulder and elbow procedures.
In his professional practice, Dr. Brolin has consistently demonstrated a dedication to patient care, education, and research. As a partner at Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics in Memphis, he specializes in shoulder and elbow treatment, including arthroscopic and open management technique. His commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care has earned him a reputation as one of the leading orthopaedic surgeons in the region.
Dr. Brolin’s leadership extends beyond his clinical work. He has been an active member of the Tennessee Orthopaedic Society for over a decade, contributing to numerous committees and initiatives aimed at improving orthopaedic care across the state. His efforts have been instrumental in promoting continuing education, advocating for healthcare policy that benefits patients and providers, and fostering a collaborative community among orthopaedic professionals.
As President, Dr. Brolin plans to focus on several key areas: enhancing educational opportunities for society members, advancing legislative advocacy to protect and promote the interests of orthopaedic surgeons and their patients, and fostering a culture of innovation within the field. He is particularly passionate about integrating new technologies and surgical techniques into practice, ensuring that Tennessee remains at the forefront of orthopaedic care.
Dr. Brolin’s vision for the Tennessee Orthopaedic Society is one of inclusivity, growth, and excellence. He believes that by working together, society members can achieve significant advancements in patient care and professional development. His tenure as President is expected to bring a renewed energy and a progressive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities within orthopaedics.
The Tennessee Orthopaedic Society congratulates Dr. Tyler J. Brolin on his new role and looks forward to a future of continued success and innovation under his leadership. With his extensive experience, dedication to the field, and visionary outlook, Dr. Brolin is well-equipped to guide the society towards a bright and promising future.