El Camino Health Inaugurates Dr. Alan C. Merchant Memorial Lecture

May, 2025 - In November 2024, Joan Merchant made a gift to El Camino Health Foundation for the orthopedic department in memory of her beloved husband Alan, who was a renowned orthopedic surgeon and distinguished member of the El Camino Health medical staff from 1962 to 2004.

El Camino Health is using the gift to present the Dr. Alan C. Merchant Memorial Lecture, biannual talks by experts in the field of orthopedics. Dr. Matthew Miller, a specialist in adult reconstructive surgery, gave the inaugural presentation on the topic “Innovative Advancements in Orthopedics” in the Sobrato Pavilion boardroom on May 2. Joan and the couple’s children Tom, Janet, and Bob attended, along with old friends and colleagues, physicians, nurses, and other members of the orthopedic staff, many who fondly remember working with Dr. Merchant.

Dr. Tom Merchant gave introductory remarks on behalf of the family. “My father was a real believer in education and, though he was never one to speak of his accomplishments, I’m sure he would be truly pleased having a lecture series in his name.” He enumerated some of his father’s remarkable achievements, including developing an X-ray technique for better diagnosing problems of the patellofemoral joint that became known as the “Merchant View of the Knee,” a frame to support the legs and position the knees to achieve that radiographic view that became known as the “Merchant Board,” a patellofemoral joint replacement, and a surgical technique to realign the patella, controlling pain and instability. “Though his more visible accomplishments are in some ways the foundation for this lecture series, I think his and my mother’s deep connection to El Camino Health is the real driving force,” Tom noted.

Dr. Alan Merchant died on December 3, 2023 at the age of 92. He is remembered for his exceptional patient care, and his kindness endeared him to patients, nurses, and hospital staff. In addition to pioneering numerous advancements, he published many papers and textbook chapters and owned multiple patents. The International Patellofemoral Study Group and the Bay Area Knee Society both acknowledged his contributions with lifetime achievement awards.

The Merchant Family’s gift is recognized on a plaque that describes Dr. Alan Merchant’s enduring contributions to the field of orthopedics. It is mounted in the hallway facing the 4A nurses station on the 4th floor of the Mountain View patient tower, where he took care of patients. The plaque was dedicated during a small celebration before the lecture.