The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) was saddened by the loss of Dr. Wayne J. Sebastianelli, 68, who died unexpectedly at his Pennsylvania home on May 4, 2026 he is survived by his wife Michele of 42 years, and his children, Geoffrey and Alyssa, as well as his many loving family and friends.
Dr. Sebastianelli was the Kalenak Professor in Orthopaedics at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at Penn State Hershey, University Park Regional Campus of the College of Medicine. He also directed the sports medicine fellowship for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Rehabilitation. Dr. Sebastianelli was the Director of Athletic Medicine, Penn State University Park, and Associate Chief Medical Officer, Penn State Health Medical Group – State College Region.
A former student athlete, Dr. Sebastianelli earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and anthropology (1979) and a medical degree (1983) from University of Rochester. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Rochester and a sports medicine fellowship at Penn State.
Dr. Sebastianelli was part of the Penn State Athletics team for more than 30 years . In 1992, he was named Director of Athletic Medicine, Penn State Athletics and Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He served as the head team physician for Penn State Athletics and was elected as Chief of Staff for 16 years at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Dr. Sebastianelli demonstrated a profound commitment to his field through volunteer leadership. He was a member of AOSSM since 2009 and a frequent supporter of the Society. He was a reviewer for the Journal of Orthopedics and Sports Physical Therapy, The American Journal of Sports Medicine and The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. He was elected to the Council of Delegates and served on the Council's executive committee, as well as on the Self-Assessment and Publications (now Marketing and Communications) Committees.
In addition, Dr. Sebastianelli served as President of the American Orthopaedic Association and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Eligibility for Big Ten Sports Medicine. He was a Director on the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery from 2018 to present, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. His lifelong dedication to sports medicine earned him the Northeastern Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Service Award and induction into the University of Rochester’s Department of Athletics Hall of Fame. He was extremely proud to become an honorary Penn State Football Letterman and honorary alumnus of Penn State University.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Dr. Wayne J. Sebastianelli Fund for Leadership Development at Mount Nittany Health or the Sports Medicine Program Fund, Nittany Lion Club, Bryce Jordan Center, 720 Curtin Road, University Park, PA 16802.