Dr. Orlando Mercado, DPM '61, affectionately known as "Harry," devoted his life to advancing the profession of podiatric medicine and inspiring generations of future foot and ankle surgeons. For more than 55 years, he was a world-renowned surgeon, educator, author, medical illustrator, and mentor whose passion for teaching transformed countless careers. If you studied at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine or the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine between 1970 and 2010, chances are you experienced Dr. Mercado's enthusiasm, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to excellence firsthand.
A visionary leader, Dr. Mercado believed that education should extend beyond the classroom. He was instrumental in expanding hospital training opportunities for podiatrists, helping open doors that had long been closed to the profession. Through innovative residency and clinical training programs, he equipped students and practicing podiatrists with the knowledge, confidence, and surgical skills to improve the lives of patients around the world. His textbooks and medical illustrations continue to educate and inspire long after his time in the classroom.
Dr. Mercado's legacy is measured not only by his many professional accomplishments, but also by the thousands of physicians he mentored and the countless patients whose lives were improved through his influence. As Dr. Phillip R. Brachman wrote in the foreword to Dr. Mercado's book, Forefoot Surgery, "If I were to write a prescription for success in the field of podiatric medicine, I would write for one part inspiration, two parts dedication, three parts knowledge, four parts perspiration, five parts enthusiasm, plus a spark of genius. Mix them all together and label the solution 'Dr. Orlando Mercado.'"
Make a gift in memory of Dr. Orlando Mercado, to the Orlando Mercado, DPM '61, Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund today. Your gift, which supports tuition scholarships for Scholl students with demonstrated financial need, will pay tribute to his remarkable legacy and ensure that his passion for education, innovation, and compassionate patient care continue to inspire future generations of podiatric physicians.
You have the opportunity to honor Dr. Mercado and Double Your Impact for Scholl Students —
Thanks to their extraordinary generosity, Richard M. Evans, DPM '71, and Katherine Evans, have committed a new $100,000 match challenge to spark giving in memory of SCPM faculty member Orlando "Harry" Mercado DPM 1961. That means that every dollar you give to the Mercado memorial fund will be matched — dollar for dollar.
Now is the moment to multiply your impact, invest in the future of Scholl, and pay tribute to the legacy of a beloved teacher. If you would like to share a memory or testimonial, please select "add new update" and you can include a video, message, or photo.
"The Franklin Blvd podiatric surgery program was trendsetting. At the time podiatric surgery programs were just starting. Dr Mercado had 3 surgery rooms going 5 days a week. He thought outside the box. He liked people who worked hard. I was there a few months and was already doing an amputation. We got paid $200 a month. I would have taken the program for nothing, I learned so much. He had hands like a magician but he made it all look so simple....
Podiatric medicine is standing on the shoulders of men like Orlando Mercado. He was totally dedicated to the art and science of podiatry. There were times as a resident when I was doing a procedure and he would think of a new one and draw it on his glove to ask me 'what do you think of this?!' That's the Dr Mercado I knew."
--George Tsoutsouris DPM 1974
26 days ago by Heather TrufferDonors
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