Fred F. Schudy (1908-2001)
In Memoriam exerpts taken from the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics July 2001 pp. 90-91
Dr. Schudy initially studied with Dr. Al Westfall. Together they studied the then-new and complex edgewise appliance. These were exciting times of daily learning and growing. Fred learned well from Dr. Westfall and from Drs. Eddie Arnold, C.T. Roland, Hayes Nance, and others. Dr. Nance would come to town and give small intensive workshops. Learning to bend wire and to control and understand torque with only spotty instruction was a struggle. Fred also learned from Dr. Charles Tweed, and it was at a Tweed Foundation meeting in 1953 that he began to value the importance of the interincisal angle.
Fred came to orthodontics with a burning desire to contribute and to leave the profession a little better. Part of his aspiration may have been fueled by a desire to do well in his parent's eyes, because they had been against his pursuing an education and a different way of life. In 1955, the cephalometrics turned out to be a fertile one for Fred's curious mind and eagerness to contribute. He had extensive, in-depth studies with Cecil Steiner of California, a mentor and a friend. They exchanged small green phonograph recording disks in the mail as they traded ideas and pondered questions. The thoughts of Drs. Reed Holdaway, Bob Ricketts, and Howard Lang were also important in influencing and shaping his concepts. To aid his studies, Fred would take a head plate on patients who were not ready for treatment and on others at no cost if they would return periodically. These serial films gave him the material needed to help answer some of his questions about the inconsistent results he observed in generic treatments being applied to all patients.
This began a series of investigations examining the growth of the face as it relates to treatment. These studies illuminated and clarified Fred's observation that the vertical dimension was critical in its effect on facial form and mandibular growth. During these years, Fred trained 3 preceptees in his office, Drs. Clarence Hertzler, Tom Creekmore, and Bob Natoli. These men were instrumental in aiding this research. They made it possible for Fred to carry on a full-time practice, conduct extensive research, and raise a family at the same time. They were responsible for measuring (by hand) and recording most of the data. He and Dr. Creekmore developed the high-pull face bow in 1965. Fred loved to teach, and he had a pleasant and mutually beneficial relationship with his preceptees. Ultimately, 5 articles were published on the vertical dimension, and one, "The Rotation of the Mandibular Resulting from Growth, Its Implication in Orthodontic Treatment," was declared a classic by the AOO.
Not long before his own death, Dr. Alan Brodie urged members of the Foundation for Orthodontic Research to do research and, as he said, "just stick your spade in anywhere." Just by turning over the soil, the researcher would discover unexpected concepts, and his life would be blessed. Fred would certainly agree with this, because his research helped keep him curious and enthusiastic over a long career. It also helped him develop many fulfilling relationships with younger orthodontists through lecturing and teaching.
Fred's zest for life continued into his retirement years. He took a computer course at the community college and set up his own Web page. This gave him a continuing interaction with colleagues around the world. He bought an organ so that he could fulfill a latent dream of playing this instrument. Through his church, he visited hospitalized parishioners. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for a Christian alliance organization in Houston saying he was going out to deliver meals to the "old people." His younger meal recipients called him "Pops."
I shall pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do, let me do it now, let me not defer it or neglect it. For I shall not pass this way again.
Etienne de Grelet
This quote hung behind Fred's desk in his private office, and he tried to love according to its words. He was active at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, which he helped found in 1947, serving on its executive board for 30 years. St. Luke's honored him with its Distinguished Life honor in 1991. An active member of the Rotary Club Houston for more then 25 years, Fred also participated in Big Brothers of America and worked for 10 years with 2 fatherless young men.