James K. Styner MD, FACS, passed peacefully at his home on January 22, 2024, after a long illness.
Dr. Styner was an orthopaedic surgeon who created the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course in light of a personal tragedy. This approach to initial trauma care was subsequently adopted by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma in 1980. Since its inception, ATLS has been taught to more than 1 million physicians in over 88 countries and has been translated into 10 languages with the newest 11th edition currently in progress.
Dr. Styner served the Lincoln, Nebraska community in many ways. He was a partner the Lincoln Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Center and also taught at the Creighton University School of Medicine. He took care of the University of Nebraska Cornhusker football team and participated in multiple medical missions to Peru.
The impact that Dr. Styner has had on the trauma community cannot be measured. Out of adversity, his vision and drive created a system that not only educates, but also organizes trauma care in those early critical moments. Because of this, the American College of Surgeons renamed the ATLS Meritorious Service Award in his honor.
The Orthopaedic Trauma Association is indebted to Dr. Styner for his service and dedication to caring for the injured patient. We hope that you will join us in sending our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Styner’s family as we honor his life and devotion to improving trauma care.
Dr. Styner’s family invites you to attend the memorial service which will be held at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery on July 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Trauma Education Fund in Dr. Styner's name.
Following the service, there will be a reception from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm at The Venue restaurant, also in Lincoln.