Beloved Surgeon, Friend Dies in Motor Vehicle Accident

“Tragic” is the only word to describe what happened on I-20 in Kaufman County, Texas, last Saturday night. John Adam Malonis, M.D. of Fort Worth, Texas, was killed that night in a motor vehicle accident. Dr. Malonis, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with the Lone Star Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists, PLLC in Burleson, Texas, was only 50 years old. Dr. Malonis is survived by his wife, Jamie Wright Malonis; three devoted children, Jack (21), Charlie (19), and Kate (9); parents, Edward and Mary Malonis; sister, Tracy Stephen; and four nieces and nephews. The funeral was held on June 27, 2014 at St. Andrew Catholic Church and interment was at Greenwood Memorial Park.

Dr. Malonis earned his M.D. at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1990, and then did a residency at Fort Worth Affiliated Hospitals Orthopedic Residency. This was followed by a fellowship at The University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics Spine. Dr. Malonis was affiliated with several areas hospitals including Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth, Huguley Memorial Medical Center, and John Peter Smith, also in Fort Worth.

Pierce Nunley, M.D. is director of the Spine Institute of Louisiana. He remembers his longtime friend and skiing partner with affection. “The most amazing thing about John was that in the world of spine surgery—where there is no shortage of egotism—John was an authentic, humble man who was both talented and sure of his abilities. He was never ‘in the game’ to make a name for himself. When he attended academic conferences it was not to display his knowledge, but to connect with friends and learn about the latest techniques that might be of assistance to his patients.”

“My wife, Amie, is a breast oncology surgeon. When she was first exposed to the spine community and industry, she raised an eyebrow at what she said were ‘palpable egos.’ At one of our spine meetings years ago she said, ‘John Malonis is one of the most authentic people in the room.’”

“Perhaps this is a bit esoteric, but John knew who he was and didn’t try to be something that he wasn’t. So many of us strive to be that person we want to be; John achieved that in his lifetime better than most people ever do.”

Jean-Jacques Abitbol, M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon with the California Spine Group. Of his friend, Dr. Abitbol notes, “Dr. Malonis was a highly regarded member of the orthopedic community and deeply committed to making a difference. He cared deeply for his patients, touching many of their lives, and he will be greatly missed.”

John Malonis’ presence, knowledge, and human warm will be missed by those who knew him and those who never had the chance to make his acquaintance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Jack Malonis’ fundraising efforts with the Texas 4000 for Cancer charity, so he can bike from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska, in honor of his father, http://www.texas4000.org/rider/2015/unassigned/jack-malonis/, the American Cancer Society in John and Jamie’s name, or the Dr. John Malonis Scholarship Fund at Harrison High School, Harrison Central School District, Attn: Treasury Department, 50 Union Ave., Harrison, N.Y., 10528.