Growing Bones Pediatric and Neuromuscular Orthopedic Institute

02/25/2026

Dr. Patricia Bath was born in Harlem, New York, in 1942. After graduating from high school, she attended Hunter College, where she earned a B.A. in Chemistry. She later received her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1968 and went on to specialize in ophthalmology.
During her research, Dr. Bath observed disproportionately high rates of visual impairment among patients at Harlem Hospital. Recognizing the importance of accessible eye care, she became instrumental in expanding and improving ophthalmic services at the hospital’s Eye Clinic. Her dedication to addressing preventable blindness shaped her lifelong commitment to advocacy, treatment, and public health.
Dr. Bath also made groundbreaking contributions to medical technology. She became the first Black woman physician to receive a patent for a medical device and ultimately held four U.S. patents. Her first—and most well‑known—invention was the Laserphaco Probe, a device that uses laser technology to remove cataracts more precisely and effectively.
Throughout her career, Dr. Bath continued to champion the prevention of blindness worldwide. She remained an influential figure in both medicine and innovation until her passing on May 30, 2019.

https://www.drkarenwinkfield.com/post/dr-patricia-bath

02/24/2026

Our office is back open from this crazy snowy weather!!
And to get back in the rhythm here is a !

02/23/2026

❄️ Possible Weather Closure ❄️
With severe weather continuing, our office could possibly be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23rd. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide an update as soon as a final decision is made.
The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority.
Please check back here before your appointment. Thank you for your patience and understanding—stay warm and safe!

02/22/2026

For the safety of our employees and everyone we serve, our office will be closed on Monday, February 23rd, due to weather conditions.
Thank you for your understanding—please stay safe and warm. We look forward to connecting with you again soon!
If you have not been contacted yet to reschedule, please reach out Monday morning so we can get your appointment rescheduled as soon as possible.
Thank you

02/20/2026

James McCune Smith was born on April 18, 1813, in New York City to his mother, Lavinia Smith, who had recently relocated there prior to his birth. Although he was born into slavery, he gained his freedom at age 14 under New York State’s Emancipation Act.
An exceptionally gifted student, James graduated from high school with honors at just 15 years old. However, despite his academic achievements, he was denied admission to both Columbia University and Geneva Medical College solely because of his race. Determined to pursue higher education, he traveled to Scotland to study at the University of Glasgow, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, followed by his medical degree in 1836.
Upon returning to New York, Dr. Smith—who became the first university‑trained Black physician to practice medicine in the United States—opened his own medical practice and pharmacy. He went on to serve for more than 20 years as a physician at the Colored Orphan Asylum in Manhattan. In addition to his medical work, he emerged as a prominent abolitionist, intellectual, and published author.
James McCune Smith died at the age of 52 from congestive heart failure, leaving behind a powerful legacy of scholarship, advocacy, and groundbreaking achievement.

https://www.drkarenwinkfield.com/post/dr-james-mccune-smith
https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/medicine/about-us/diversity-inclusion/black-history-profile/james-mccune-smith/

02/19/2026

🏆 It’s Delaware Today's Top Doc Season! 🏆

We’re proud to recognize the outstanding care provided by Dr. Justin Connor at Growing Bones Orthopaedics. His commitment to excellence, patient-centered approach, and passion for helping young patients stay active make him a standout provider in our community.

👉 Fellow Providers, cast your vote for your Top Doc — and consider supporting Dr. Connor!
Your vote helps highlight the dedication and expertise that make a true difference in our patients’ lives.
Thank you for recognizing the physicians who go above and beyond every day! 💙

Please considering clicking on the link below to nominate Dr. Justin Connor under Pediatrics and Orthopedics

Who are the best doctors in Delaware? We want your nominations for Delaware Today’s 2025 Top Doctors. Honorees will be announced in our October issue. To make voting easier, we divided the ballot into five categories. Need extra time to finish the ballot? Save the ballot and complete it at a later...

02/18/2026

Remembering Dr. Charles H. Epps, Jr.
Dr. Charles Epps, born July 24, 1930, was a true pioneer in medicine. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Howard University and earning his M.D. in 1955, he became only the 5th African American orthopedic surgeon. He served in the U.S. Army until 1962 and later returned to Howard as a beloved professor.
Throughout his career, he trained over 4,000 minority medical students and 70 orthopedic residents, leaving an incredible legacy of mentorship and leadership. Dr. Epps retired in 2001 and passed away on January 12, 2026.
The Charles H. Epps Chair in Orthopedic Surgery at Howard University College of Medicine was created in honor of Dr. Charles H. Epps
A remarkable life and an even more remarkable impact. 💙🕊️

02/17/2026

Hercules Posey was the renowned chef of former President George Washington. He began his culinary career as an apprentice, eventually rising to the rank of master chef through years of grueling, demanding work. In 1790, following the death of his wife, Hercules was brought to the President’s House to serve not only as Washington’s personal chef but also as his diplomatic chef. There, he prepared elaborate meals for the President and his distinguished guests, helping shape the emerging cuisine of the American elite.
In 1796, Posey returned to Mount Vernon. On Washington’s birthday the following year, he self-emancipated and fled to New York, where he lived until his death in 1812. His reputation endured long after his departure; many who had enjoyed his cooking praised his exceptional skill, and those who dined at the President’s House after he left often expressed disappointment in the meals that followed.

02/16/2026

In honor of Black History Month!

02/14/2026

Growing Bones Pediatric & Orthopaedic Institute was founded in 2018 on a foundation of faith, compassion, and a deep love for our local community. We believe every child and every family deserves access to exceptional care, delivered with kindness and respect.
As we continue to grow together, we celebrate the joy, resilience, and strength that our families bring into our lives every day. Our mission reaches beyond medicine—we strive to spread love, encouragement, and positivity throughout our community.
Today and always, we invite our families to join us in lifting one another up, sharing joy, and helping create a community where every child feels supported and every family feels valued.
Together, let’s continue to spread love and light wherever we go.

02/13/2026

Today, in honor of Valentine’s Day, we honor one of the most powerful love stories in American history—one that proved that love can change laws, challenge injustice, and reshape a nation.
In 1958, Mildred Jeter, a Black and Indigenous woman, and Richard Loving, a white man, married for one simple reason: they loved each other. But in their home state of Virginia, their marriage was considered a crime. Just weeks after returning home as newlyweds, they were arrested in the middle of the night for violating the state’s Racial Integrity Act.
With quiet courage, they took their case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. And on June 12, 1967, in the landmark decision Loving v. Virginia, the Court struck down bans on in*******al marriage across the country.
The Lovings never sought fame—only justice. Mildred later said, “We are not doing it because we want to. We are doing it because we have to.”
Their love wasn’t loud or flashy. It was steady. It was brave. It was transformational.
This Valentine’s Day, we honor Mildred and Richard Loving—a couple whose devotion helped open the door to marriage equality for millions. Their story reminds us that love is a powerful force.

02/12/2026

Today, February 12, marks a significant date in American history.
On this day in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded, becoming the nation’s oldest civil rights organization.
The NAACP was established during a period of profound social change in the early 20th century. Its founders sought to promote equal rights and legal protections for all people by emphasizing the principles embedded in the U.S. Constitution. From its earliest years, the organization focused on education, public awareness, and the use of the legal system to address inequities.
Throughout its history, the NAACP has been associated with important milestones that helped shape American institutions. These efforts included early advocacy against racial violence, work to expand access to education, and involvement in landmark court cases such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which ended legal segregation in public schools. The organization also helped establish the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which advanced constitutional issues through the courts.
The NAACP’s origins are closely connected to the Reconstruction Amendments to the U.S. Constitution:
▪️ The 13th Amendment (1865) abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
▪️ The 14th Amendment (1868) defined citizenship and guaranteed equal protection under the law.
▪️ The 15th Amendment (1870) prohibited denying the right to vote based on race.
Together, these amendments reshaped the nation’s legal framework following the Civil War and provided a foundation for efforts centered on civil rights education and legal equality.
📚 During Black History Month, we take time to learn from and reflect on the historical events and organizations that have helped shape our nation.