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Memphis reaches record number of children shot in 2023

A Memphis pediatric surgeon is advocating for gun safety as the violent trend continues.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis reached a new record number of children treated for gunshot wounds. 

In 2023, at least 160 Memphis children were treated after being shot. As the trend continues, families, leaders and medical professionals are concerned about gun safety. 

Dr. Derek Kelly is an orthopedic surgeon at Le Bonheur Children's Campbell Clinic Orthopedics. He has worked there for the past 15 years and said he has seen a dramatic increase in child gun violence victims over the last five years. 

"It's just so frustrating because it's senseless. There's just really no reason for these kids to be shot," said Dr. Kelly. 

Many of Dr. Kelly’s patients with gunshot wounds this year were between nine and 14 years old. He said this violent trend is traumatic for the children, their families and even the doctors treating them. 

"Unfortunately, we are very good at doing this because we do it very often. But to see children that come in, particularly that are the same age as my girls - it's very heartbreaking,” said Dr. Kelly. 

Dr. Kelly is very vocal on his Instagram about this issue. Every month, he shares anonymous photos of his patients that were shot in hopes of sparking change. 

"I had to start speaking out and making people aware of what's happening. There are lots of ways that this problem can be attacked. One simple thing that people can do is they have a firearm in the home, leave it locked and stored safely and unloaded,” said Dr. Kelly. 

Dr. Kelly said Le Bonheur is conducting research on the long-term physical and mental effects of child gun violence. 

The previous record for Memphis children treated for gunshot wounds was 158 children in 2021. 

    

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