When Micah Lissy, M.D., MS PT, ATC, CSCS, was named chairperson, effective Oct. 15, of the Department of Orthopedic Medicine at Michigan State University, it wasn’t a surprise for him, it was a moment of deep gratitude. After serving as interim chair for more than two years, Dr. Lissy was already shaping the department that had endured upheaval and transition. His appointment is both a recognition of steady leadership and a promise of continued growth.
“There was a large exodus of orthopedic surgeons before I came on,” he recalls. “It was a challenging time. My goal was to make it feel like a department again, to create an environment where faculty could focus on their clinical and academic roles while I handled the administrative side. We’ve done that, and we’re stronger for it.”
That balance of structure and support defines Dr. Lissy’s approach. Under his leadership, the department has increased clinical volume and expanded collaboration with the university’s medical colleges. He and his team have built pathways for medical students interested in orthopedics, ensuring that anyone who expresses curiosity about the field has an opportunity to get involved.
“We figure out a way to make something happen,” Dr. Lissy said. “That’s what being a Spartan is all about; finding a way forward, together.”
Joyce deJong, D.O., dean of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, appreciates that thoughtfulness. “Dr. Lissy exemplifies the spirit of a Spartan physician. He is skilled, collaborative and grounded in service,” she said. “His leadership ensures that this department will continue to grow stronger, innovate boldly and provide world-class care to our communities.”
The road to MSU
Dr. Lissy’s journey to MSU is marked by layers of experience that make him uniquely suited to lead. Before earning his medical degree, he worked as a physical therapist and athletic trainer – roles that honed his understanding of the body and deepened his respect for hands-on healing.
“There’s a lot of overlap between physical therapy, manipulative medicine and osteopathic practice,” he said. “That background gave me a deep appreciation for the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person.”
That whole-person focus is what sets Spartan doctors apart. Rooted in service, collaboration and community, MSU-trained physicians are guided by a sense of purpose that transcends the clinic. For Dr. Lissy, that purpose is clear: to serve athletes, students, faculty and the greater East Lansing community with the same level of care and commitment.
“We’re community orthopedic surgeons,” he explained. “We treat the student body, the faculty and staff, and the entire mid-Michigan region. Whether you’re an athlete or not, you get the same care.”
An athlete himself, having played football, rugby, and lacrosse, Dr. Lissy sees medicine and athletics as parallel pursuits: both require skill, preparation, teamwork and mental resilience. “A surgeon isn’t that different from an athlete,” he said. “You perform under pressure, you train relentlessly, and you succeed as part of a team.”
For Dr. Lissy, that sense of team is more than a metaphor – it’s the foundation for everything he hopes to build. “When you put the team before yourself,” he said, “everyone moves forward together.”
Dr. Lissy initially joined the MSU Department of Orthopedics – a joint department with the MSU Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and Human Medicine – and MSU Health Care’s Sports Medicine clinic in 2022. Prior to that time, he served in several roles with United Health Services Hospitals Inc. (UHS) in Binghamton, N.Y., including chairman of the Department of Orthopedics and medical director of sports medicine, orthopedic sports surgeon and as a member of the UHS Medical Group Board of Directors.
by Jim Peck
When Micah Lissy, M.D., MS PT, ATC, CSCS, was named chairperson, effective Oct. 15, of the Department of Orthopedic Medicine at Michigan State University, it wasn’t a surprise for him, it was a moment of deep gratitude. After serving as interim chair for more than two years, Dr. Lissy was already shaping the department that had endured upheaval and transition. His appointment is both a recognition of steady leadership and a promise of continued growth.
“There was a large exodus of orthopedic surgeons before I came on,” he recalls. “It was a challenging time. My goal was to make it feel like a department again, to create an environment where faculty could focus on their clinical and academic roles while I handled the administrative side. We’ve done that, and we’re stronger for it.”
That balance of structure and support defines Dr. Lissy’s approach. Under his leadership, the department has increased clinical volume and expanded collaboration with the university’s medical colleges. He and his team have built pathways for medical students interested in orthopedics, ensuring that anyone who expresses curiosity about the field has an opportunity to get involved.
“We figure out a way to make something happen,” Dr. Lissy said. “That’s what being a Spartan is all about; finding a way forward, together.”
Joyce deJong, D.O., dean of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, appreciates that thoughtfulness. “Dr. Lissy exemplifies the spirit of a Spartan physician. He is skilled, collaborative and grounded in service,” she said. “His leadership ensures that this department will continue to grow stronger, innovate boldly and provide world-class care to our communities.”
The road to MSU
Dr. Lissy’s journey to MSU is marked by layers of experience that make him uniquely suited to lead. Before earning his medical degree, he worked as a physical therapist and athletic trainer – roles that honed his understanding of the body and deepened his respect for hands-on healing.
“There’s a lot of overlap between physical therapy, manipulative medicine and osteopathic practice,” he said. “That background gave me a deep appreciation for the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person.”
That whole-person focus is what sets Spartan doctors apart. Rooted in service, collaboration and community, MSU-trained physicians are guided by a sense of purpose that transcends the clinic. For Dr. Lissy, that purpose is clear: to serve athletes, students, faculty and the greater East Lansing community with the same level of care and commitment.
“We’re community orthopedic surgeons,” he explained. “We treat the student body, the faculty and staff, and the entire mid-Michigan region. Whether you’re an athlete or not, you get the same care.”
An athlete himself, having played football, rugby, and lacrosse, Dr. Lissy sees medicine and athletics as parallel pursuits: both require skill, preparation, teamwork and mental resilience. “A surgeon isn’t that different from an athlete,” he said. “You perform under pressure, you train relentlessly, and you succeed as part of a team.”
For Dr. Lissy, that sense of team is more than a metaphor – it’s the foundation for everything he hopes to build. “When you put the team before yourself,” he said, “everyone moves forward together.”
Dr. Lissy initially joined the MSU Department of Orthopedics – a joint department with the MSU Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and Human Medicine – and MSU Health Care’s Sports Medicine clinic in 2022. Prior to that time, he served in several roles with United Health Services Hospitals Inc. (UHS) in Binghamton, N.Y., including chairman of the Department of Orthopedics and medical director of sports medicine, orthopedic sports surgeon and as a member of the UHS Medical Group Board of Directors.
by Jim Peck