William G. Hamilton Collection
Descriptive Summary
Historical/Biographical Note
Dr. William Garnett Hamilton (1932-2022) was one of the first doctors to specialize in dance medicine and expanded the field of foot and ankle injuries in orthopedic medicine through his work, lectures, and publications. Dr. William G. Hamilton was born on January 11, 1932, in Altus, Oklahoma. Hamilton graduated from Princeton University in 1954 with a degree in engineering. He served in the Army for two years and worked in plastics manufacturing for a few years before applying to medical school. In 1964, he graduated from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, with a focus on orthopedics. After his residency, he opened a practice near Lincoln Center in 1969. In addition, he worked at Roosevelt Hospital as an orthopedic surgeon. In the early 1970s, Dr. Hamilton met George Balanchine, the renowned artistic director and choreographer of the New York City Ballet through a mutual acquaintance. In 1972, Dr. Hamilton became the first in-house doctor of the New York City Ballet, and in 1975, he also became the doctor for the School of American Ballet. Hamilton eventually worked with the American Ballet Theater, The Ailey School, and various Broadway shows. He also served as medical consultant for the New York Knicks and Yankees, and was an advisory board member of the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries at NYU. In addition to being a clinician, Dr. Hamilton was an educator who taught continuing medical education (CME) courses at the Harkness Center.