Dr. Pat Clare was a highly respected physician who dedicated over 30 years of his life to providing exceptional care at Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine (NOASM). Co-founding the practice in 1987, Dr. Clare played an essential role in growing it into a successful medical facility with 14 physicians, specializing in a wide range of orthopaedic services. A proud alumnus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), as well as a former Cornhusker football player. Dr. Clare brought not only professional expertise but also a deep, personal connection to the world of athletics.
For over three decades, Dr. Clare also served as the Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon and Team Physician for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Athletic Department. In this role, he worked closely with student-athletes, providing specialist care for Husker athletes across all sports. His compassion for athletes, combined with his exceptional medical skills, earned him a reputation for excellence and mentorship. Dr. Clare retired in 2015, leaving behind a legacy in both orthopaedic care and leadership.
We asked Nebraska Orthopaedic Center (NOC) team members to share their memories of Dr. Pat Clare; here is what they had to say:
“Dr. Patrick Clare is on my Mt. Rushmore of the most important & influential people in my life. He was an impressive, intelligent, dignified, & gracious leader of a man. He was the king of his surroundings, exhibiting excellence in action, but he always seemed so humble looking for the best ways to help others. With Dr. Clare’s position & authority, he could have demanded anything. Instead, Dr. Clare demonstrated love & sacrifice for those under his guidance & leadership. His words to me were, “Make sure we provide a quality service & develop lasting relationships”. Dr. Patrick Clare is the Tom Osborne of Orthopaedic Physicians. I am so thankful for Dr. Clare!” – Jayson B.
“P Clare had a positive influence on many in the state of Nebraska, the city of Lincoln, and with me. I witnessed this when I began working at NOA in 1998 until he retired. I realized how many different patients, medical professionals, and families got to know P Clare and his professional demeanor. I had a respect for not only the doctor, but the man and his family, and respect for the practice that I had the opportunity to work for. He commanded a respect for not only his patients but also for the organization that I am representing as an employee, both at the office and away. Rest in peace, Dr. P Clare, you will be missed.” – Brian P.
“When I think of Pat Clare, I think of his smiling eyes.” – Michele F.
“Oh, so many sweet memories of this legendary man but here is my favorite: In 1994, I was only 23 years old and new to NOASM. Being the new nurse, I was often tasked to do the Pat Clare ask for yogurt for the office. TCBY was located below us and a favorite treat in the afternoon for the whole office. I would enter his office, ask if he was hungry for yogurt. He would smile his big old smile, open his wallet, blow on the bills (as if they were so dusty) and the money would start flowing. I would quickly make the yogurt run and just like that, everyone would have a better day! He was a gem to work for and was never in a hurry. His patients would wait hours to see him, bringing their knitting to work on the interim, with no complaints. He gave each patient ample time, listening to all their complaints and treating them thoroughly… sometimes three body parts at a time, without being inconvenienced. He was kind and gracious and loved to treat others with generosity and respect. He was a legend and will forever be missed.” – Kaela S.
“What a man! I know him as Papa Clare. What a legacy left for sure! He taught me so much about orthopaedics…with many late closing nights to see those patients that would wait over two hours and wouldn’t reschedule their appointments. I will cherish everything I’ve learned from him, along with all the crazy flamingo knee x-ray views!” – Melissa G.
A consistent theme in the memories shared by employees alike is Dr. Pat Clare’s remarkable ability to balance his medical career with genuine care for the people he worked with. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to be felt by all those whose lives he touched—both on and off the field.