Dr. Freddie Fu, renowned Pitt surgeon, dies

Dr. Freddie H. Fu, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon who created the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s sports medicine program, died Friday in Pittsburgh.

Fu was 70. He also was Pitt’s sports teams physician for some 30 years.

“The University of Pittsburgh has lost one of its finest members,” said University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in a statement.

“Freddie was known worldwide as a brilliant orthopaedic surgeon and a leader in the field of sports medicine. He was also a committed teacher and mentor, and he leaves behind a global community of former students, residents and colleagues who continue to heal and reshape medicine.”

Neither the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center nor the university, released information on the cause of Fu’s death.

By any metric, Fu was a giant in his field, having repaired the knees of thousands of patients and publishing papers that were collectively cited more than 60,000 times by his peers, according to a statement released by the University of Pittsburgh.

“Rarely do you find such an exceptionally gifted person who remains so humble and accessible to everyone they meet. That was Dr. Fu. His legacy — as a doctor, husband, father, grandfather and friend—will eternally inspire us at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond,” said Heather Lyke, Pitt athletic director.

Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi called Fu one of the Pitt legends.

“So many of Pitt’s greatest athletes were blessed to have been treated and cared for by Dr. Fu. Not only was he a gifted doctor, but also someone who was personally invested in every person and patient he worked with,” Narduzzi said.

UPMC Sports Medicine is forever indebted to Freddie Fu, MD, creator of UPMC’s world-renowned sports medicine program.
Our fearless leader, our brilliant mentor, our kindest friend – thank you, Dr. Fu. https://t.co/MLFAnVjVCk pic.twitter.com/Y1dSxQ8cED

— UPMC Sports Medicine (@UPMCSportsMed) September 25, 2021

To Pitt volleyball coach Dan Fisher, Fu was a mentor, a leader and above all a good man.

”He touched so many lives, including ours, and his legacy will live on.” Fisher said, noting that Fu was a big supporter of the volleyball team.

Forever in our hearts.

Rest In Peace, Dr. Freddie Fu.https://t.co/zDmt582UZR pic.twitter.com/kc3W9nQKJ7

— Pitt Athletics (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) September 25, 2021

Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and the dean of Pitt’s School of Medicine, said that if anyone could come close to perpetual motion, it was Freddie Fu. Shekhar called Fu’s influence in orthopaedics in Pittsburgh and globally “monumental, and his legacy profound.”

He was long-time chairman of the orthopaedic surgery department at Pitt’s medical school.

A study in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that Fu had published more of the top-100 cited papers on ACL reconstruction than anyone else in the world, along with completing the surgery on thousands of patients.

Fu was a “larger-than-life presence and a pioneer in the field of orthopaedics and sports medicine,” said Leslie C. Davis, the new president of UPMC.

Fu’s medical achievements over his 30-year career had tremendous influence locally, nationally, and internationally, Davis said. He was a passionate, deeply devoted, and enthusiastic community ambassador, a champion of diversity in medicine, and a mentor to thousands of physicians, Davis added.

Throughout his life and career, Davis said that Fu worked passionately to set the bar higher for UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh, his thousands of medical students, surgical residents, and fellows, and “most of all, for his tens of thousands of patients and athletes who have thrived under his care.”

“His absence will be felt by all of us for years to come,” Davis said.

Born in Hong Kong, Fu came to the United States to attend Dartmouth College, then earned his medical degree at Pitt’s School of Medicine.

“Pittsburgh lost a legend,” Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto wrote on Twitter. “A pioneer in modern/future surgery. A leader who helped transform Pittsburgh’s economy to eds & meds. A gracious compassionate man.”

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald released a statement Saturday saying, “Pittsburgh suffered a great loss with the passing of Freddie Fu. His impact on medicine and this region over the last few decades was tremendous. Pittsburgh has developed a worldwide reputation as dynamic place for ‘eds and meds’ since the 1980’s and Freddie Fu was a big part of that.

“He came here as a young adult, and he and his wife, Hilda, have been such positive people in the fabric of our community. His personality and charisma were infectious. He will be sorely missed.”

Fu is survived by his wife, Hilda Pang Fu, his daughter, Joyce Lok-See Fu, and son, Gordon Ka-Hong Fu.

Fu’s family asked that in lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions be made to the Fu Family Legacy Fund, which will support the programs and people of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.