University of Memphis Athletics
Sisk, longtime U of M team doctor and orthopaedic surgeon passes
Jul 15, 2009 | General
July 15, 2009
Franklin, Tenn. - - Dr. Thomas David Sisk, 72, who served as the team doctor and orthopaedic surgeon for the University of Memphis more than thirty years, died July 9 after a long and courageous bout with cancer.
"It will hard to imagine going to a basketball tournament or football bowl game and David Sisk not being there with our team," said Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson. "He was such an integral part of what we do medically for our student-athletics and he will truly be missed.
"I first knew David as our team physician and a supporter of our program but soon came to considered him a close friend, a fan, a confidant and a true gentleman. I am sure he will be remembered the same way by so many individuals involved in the world of athletics."
In addition to his work with U of M, Sisk, a graduate of UT-Memphis Medical School, also served various local high school teams, the USFL, CFL, XFL, and was a consultant for the NBA and NFL.
He grew up in Trenton, TN, graduating from Peabody High School in 1956 before attending Lambuth College in Jackson, Tenn. and UT-Martin for his pre-med education. After graduation from medical school, he interned at the John Gaston Hospital and did his general surgery rotation at the Kennedy VA Hospital, both in Memphis .
Sisk served two years of active duty as a LCDR in the United States Navy before returning to Memphis to practice orthopedic surgery at the Campbell Clinic, specializing in sports medicine. Sisk served as the Director of the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic Residency Program from 1970-1993. He served as Professor and Chair of the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedics from 1990-1993.
He lectured nationally and internationally, authored numerous scientific research articles and numerous chapters in orthopedic textbooks, was chosen for a prestigious six-week traveling fellowship to Great Britain, was honored on numerous occasions as a guest professor and lecturer, was named several times as one of Memphis' Top Doctors, and received sports medicine physician of the year awards.
Sisk served and Chaired numerous committees of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Sisk was inducted into AOSSM's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Hall of Fame in 2007. In January 2009, he was awarded the second AOSSM Lifetime Achievement Award ever to be given for his years of work with the Society and its scientific journals. A 2 p.m. memorial to celebrate Dr. Sisk's life will be held on Aug.1 at the First Baptist Church on Poplar and East Parkway.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Thurmond Sisk; sister, Clarice Sisk Hinson (Van); daughters, Tia Sisk Davis (Rick) and Beth Sisk Hensley (Wilbur); son, Michael D. Sisk (Michele); grandchildren, Jordanna, Zachary and Chad Davis, Heath Elliott (Meredith), Josh and Will Hensley, Taylor and Stephanie Sisk, Nicolette and Kaitlyn Hyde and great-grandchildren, Bayleigh Elliott and Brodie Davis. Sisk was preceded in death by a son, David O. Sisk (Maria).
A fund was established in his honor several years ago, the T. David Sisk Endowment Fund. The family requests that memorials may be sent for that fund to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, 6300 North River Road, Suite 500, Rosemont, IL 60018 or to the charity of the donor's choice. AUSTIN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, (615) 377-0775.
