Thomas Lane Bernasek, MD

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the unexpected loss of Dr. Thomas Lane Bernasek, who went home to be with our Lord and Savior on August 9, 2026, at the age of 71.

Tom loved life, but most of all, he loved the people with whom he shared it. His devotion to his family, his unfailing friendship, and his instinctive desire to help others defined him every bit as much as his remarkable career in medicine. Tom loved his family unconditionally. He will be profoundly missed by the love of his life, Tammy; his children, Katie, Sarah (Glenn), Jordan (Collin), and Cameron (Abby); his brothers, Milo and his twin brother, Bob (Bekki); his sister, Kellee; his mother-in-law, Connie; his seven grandchildren, Addison, Coraline, Ben, Dani, Chloe, Cooper, and Cassidy; and the most beautiful girl in the world, his beloved dog, Sadie.

Tom’s love extended beyond the traditional boundaries of family. His friends were part of his family too and his door was always open. Everyone who knew Tom knew how much they were adored by him. Helping others was not an obligation for Tom; it was simply part of who he was. Whether the person who needed him was a patient, colleague, trainee, friend, family member, or someone in the community, Tom found a way to be there. He celebrated his friends’ successes as though they were his own and comforted them when life felt impossible, giving his time, wisdom, and friendship freely and without condition. Tom’s devotion to his family, his unfailing friendship and his instinctive need to help others defined him every bit as much as his remarkable career in medicine.

Tom was far more than an accomplished orthopaedic surgeon. He was a founding member of Florida Orthopaedic Institute, a gifted joint-replacement surgeon, innovator, teacher and leader. To those fortunate enough to spend their professional lives alongside him, however, he was something more personal: a partner and a dear friend.

After completing his orthopedic residency at the University of New Mexico and fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the Mayo Clinic, Tom moved to Tampa in 1987, with Luanne and their daughters Katie and Sarah. He quickly embraced Tampa as his home and became part of a small group of surgeons, who believed that subspecialists working together—committed to excellence in patient care, education, and research—could build something greater than any individual practice.

That vision became Florida Orthopaedic Institute, of which Tom was a founding member. Over nearly four decades, he helped build it into the institution it is today.

Tom became nationally and internationally recognized for his work in hip and knee replacement. As a gifted surgeon, innovator, teacher, and leader, he contributed to the development of implants and technologies that improved the lives of countless patients around the world. Throughout his career, he remained fascinated by the science, mechanics, and craftsmanship of joint replacement. He never stopped asking how something could be done better.

Teaching was equally important to Tom. As Director of the Florida Orthopaedic Institute Adult Reconstruction Fellowship and a professor at the University of South Florida, Tom trained generations of residents and fellows. His influence lives on in surgeons throughout the country who learned not only their craft from him, but also judgment, responsibility, and the standards by which a surgeon should practice.

His commitment to Tampa General Hospital was equally enduring. He served as Chief of Staff, spent 11 years on its Board of Directors, and served as Medical Director of its Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program. Tom understood that physicians have a responsibility not only to care for individual patients, but also to strengthen the institutions and communities entrusted with their care.

Tom's service extended far beyond Tampa. He traveled internationally on medical mission trips, providing knee replacements and sharing his expertise with people who otherwise might not have had access to this care. His Christian faith also inspired him to serve others beyond medicine, including building churches and supporting communities in need worldwide.

But those accomplishments do not fully describe Tom.

Tom loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was an explorer and a true outdoorsman. He loved the water, fishing and diving, hunting, and spending time at his ranch, surrounded by the land and many animals.

For 26 years, Tom and his love, Tammy, shared the most beautiful life. They enjoyed extraordinary experiences – from charity events and mission trips to diving excursions, international medical conferences, and celebrations in Montana, just to name a few. Their life together was filled with adventure, laughter, service, and countless memories. Tom and Tammy also treasured the simple moments such as nights spent together falling asleep on the couch while watching television. Tom and Tammy were each other’s best friend, confidant, and sounding board. They turned to each other in times of need and excitement, and their presence always made everything better for the other. Together, Tom and Tammy were an unstoppable duo who radiated joy, love, compassion, and service to others.

The measure of Tom's life cannot be found solely in titles, publications, honors, or a curriculum vitae. It is found in the patients who walked because of his hands, the surgeons who became better because he taught them, the institutions strengthened by his leadership, the people he served, the friends who knew they could depend upon him, and the family who knew him simply as husband, father, brother, and Grandpa.

By those measures, Tom Bernasek lived an extraordinary life.

Tom's imprint is everywhere. It is in Florida Orthopaedic Institute, which he helped build. It is in Tampa General Hospital and the community he served. It is in the surgeons he trained, the patients he cared for, and the innovations he helped create.

Tom's professional legacy is immense. But most importantly, it is in his family and in the lives of the many people fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Tom loved deeply. He gave generously. He showed up. This world is a better place because Tom Bernasek was in it.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Thomas Bernasek Memorial Fund, which will be public within the next few days, to support the many various charities Tom cared so deeply about. The Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education has also established the Thomas Bernasek Memorial Research Fund, to which donations can be made at https://foreonline.org/donations/.