Charles Lowman

Charles LeRoy Lowman (December 25, 1879 – April 17, 1977) was an American orthopedic surgeon, writer, founder of California's first orthopaedic hospital in Los Angeles, director of education and chief of staff emeritus. At that time, there was no orthopedic surgeon present in San Francisco and New Orleans, making him the only orthopaedist who served for seventy years during his lifetime career. In 1974, the U.S. president Richard Nixon conferred Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Lowman for his medical contribution to the United States.

Life and background Lowman was born in Park Ridge, Illinois on December 25, 1879. He did his graduation from the University of Southern California, and later he attended Massachusetts General Hospital and subsequently Boston Children's Hospital where he studied orthopedics and earned Doctor of Medicine degree. His family members were also physicians, including his paternal grandparents.

Awards Dr. Lowman was elected into the National Academy of Kinesiology (née American Academy of Physical Education) in 1974 as an Associate Fellow.

Personal life Lowman's first wife Elizabeth Hudson Arnold Lowman died in 1968, and later he married Mary in 1972.

Career During the early 1900s, Lowman worked at an ice manufacturer as a debt collector and the California Highway Commission as a secretary. He was initially working in California before moving to Los Angeles in 1900. Lowman started his medical career in 1908.

Literary work Lowman wrote eight books on orthopedic surgery that invented new surgery techniques, enabling polio victims to overcome the disease by practicing abdominal exercise to make the disabled parts move. He is also credited for contributing to aquatic therapy which he used for treating cerebral palsy and spastic patients.

Death Lowman was suffering from multiple ailments and died on April 17, 1977, in Los Angeles.