Orthopaedic Surgery Chair Celebrates Three Generations

For Drs. Allison D. (M.D.’78) and J. Abbott Byrd III (M.D.’78), the MCV Campus at Virginia Commonwealth University was more than a place to launch their successful careers. For them, it was a place filled with laughter, friends and a family legacy.

Though the two knew each other as classmates, their romance didn’t materialize until Allison, known as Allie, challenged Abbott to a basketball game of “horse” at the campus gym.

While they still disagree on the game’s outcome, the two later married and are now giving back to the school where it all began.

“The Byrd family has a long history with the MCV Campus spanning three generations,” said Jerry Strauss III, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine. “This generous gift ensures that the family’s legacy, and its very special relationship with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will live in perpetuity to the benefit of distinguished faculty.”

Their gift, the Allison D. and J. Abbott Byrd III Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery, will enhance research and academic achievement in specialties of orthopaedic surgery.

“The school gave us both a great experience,” said Abbott Byrd. “Because of that experience and because MCV has been so integral in our lives, we wanted to give back,” said Abbott Byrd, whose father was a member of the School of Medicine’s Class of 1947. His mother is a member of the School of Nursing’s Class of 1948. Two of the couple’s three children, now in orthopaedic residencies elsewhere, are members of the School of Medicine’s Class of 2013 and a niece is a member of the School of Pharmacy’s Class of 2014.

“The school has certainly played a big part in our family,” he said. “It’s where Allie and I met and where we were provided the tools we needed to start our careers.”

The Byrds are committed to the practice of medicine and believe that teaching and research are the foundation that will lead to improved patient outcomes. It is through this gift that they wish to further this mission of the orthopaedic department at MCV.

“Both Allison and Abbott have been an important part of the orthopaedic department,” said Robert S. Adelaar, M.D., professor and John Cardea Chair in the School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Though Abbott practices orthopaedic surgery in Virginia Beach, we’ve been in consultation over the years, and both he and Allison have always been very supportive of our needs. The endowment allows the holder to take time away from a busy practice and devote more time to research and academic excellence. We’re very grateful for the faith and support that the Byrds have given us.”

The couple is happy and proud that the family legacy is continuing through their children’s careers.

“We are honored that two have chosen medicine as a career and it is an added bonus that they have chosen orthopaedic surgery as a specialty,” Abbott Byrd said.