Nationally Renowned Surgeon Mourned After Shooting

Benjamin Mauck, M.D., 43, a well-loved hand surgeon at Campbell Clinic in Collierville, Memphis, Tennessee, died on Tuesday July 11, 2023, after being shot by a patient in his exam room.

According to local police, Mauck’s shooting death was a “targeted attack” by a patient who had been threatening him for a week. Dr. Mauck leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Dr. Benjamin Mauck was shot three times—in his neck, chest, and upper abdomen—and died in the Campbell Clinic’s exam room. Larry Pickens, 29 years old and a long-time patient of Dr. Mauck’s has been charged in the shooting.

Campbell Clinic Chief of Staff, Dr. Frederick Azar, said in a statement to OTW, “Ben was so much to so many people. He loved his family and was a dedicated husband and father. He was a talented physician who deeply cared for his patients—and they loved him back—with literally thousands of positive testimonials.”

He added, “He was a superb teacher for our residents and fellows—and he was a respected leader in our practice. He was a brother to us all, who had the blessing and the privilege to care for our patients alongside him.”

After the tragedy, Campbell Clinic closed for a few days, but then released a statement saying that they will continue to care for patients with renewed safety measures in place. The Collierville clinic, however, did not open for several more days in memory of Dr. Mauck.

“We remain shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Dr. Ben Mauck. Our hearts are heavy, and we are keeping Dr. Mauck’s family, friends, and colleagues in our prayers at this time. We also recognize that we have a duty to continue providing timely services for the patients who depend upon us for care.”

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) president also responded to the loss of Dr. Mauck, reassuring its physicians that the organization stands united in calling for greater protection for physicians and other health care professionals in face of the increase in threats and attacks in recent months.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Benjamin M. Mauck, MD, FAAOOS, patients, Campbell Clinic staff and the entire Collierville community during this difficult time of sadness and pain. Dr. Mauck was a dedicated physician, colleague and valued member of our orthopaedic organization, and his commitment to healing and devotion to the well-being of his patients touched countless lives. His death leaves an irreplaceable void,” said AAOS President Kevin J. Bozic, M.D., M.B.A., FAAOS.

“We cannot stand by idly as threats of violence against our members and their patients proliferate with little consequence. A physician’s office should be a safe haven for physicians, health care teams and patients, and we need to do all that we can to further prevent these tragedies now and in the future.”

Many former patients have also paid tribute to Dr. Mauck.

Pamela Griffin, one of Mauck’s patients, said: “I am saddened by this news. I broke my fingertip in October and Dr. Benjamin Mauck performed my surgery on my hand.”

“I’ve been visiting him every six weeks. He was really trying to help me gain full motion back in my right ring finger. I would’ve been seeing him next Tuesday in Collierville. He was a gentle giant with a very humble spirit. Prayers go out to your family and your assistant Ms. Candice. Rest in Love.”

Josh Jacobs, who said that Dr Mauck saved his life by performing his amputation, wrote online: “Praying for Dr. Benjamin Mauck’s friends, family, and coworkers. Wishing them all peace.”

‘He was the hand surgeon who found my cancer and performed my amputation. I give him partial credit for possibly saving my life. The work he did for me was amazing. This is very sad news to hear.”

Besides his work at Campbell Clinic, Dr. Mauck was also the head of the Congenital Hand Clinic at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital where he specialized in elbow, hand, and wrist surgery.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee, in 2002. He then attended medical school at the University of Tennessee-Memphis and completed his residency at UT-Campbell Clinic.

The AAOS has developed a workplace violence toolkit to help ensure that orthopedic practices and health care facilities remain places of comfort and healing and not violence.