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Letter From Our Chair
In April 2026, I was honored to step into the role of interim chair for UC San Diego's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. It is my distinct pleasure and privilege to lead this incredible community of physicians, researchers, and staff, as well as our dedicated medical students, residents, and fellows. Together, we are committed to maintaining our momentum in clinical and research innovation while upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.
As part of the only academic health system in San Diego, our department's purpose remains steadfast: to educate the next generation of leaders in orthopedic surgery; to conduct groundbreaking research that expands our understanding of musculoskeletal health; and to provide comprehensive, compassionate care using the most advanced operative and non-operative procedures available.
I am confident that our department will continue its culture of excellence with renewed dedication to every facet of our mission.
Reid Abrams, MD
Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery
and Interim Department Chair
Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery
and Interim Department Chair
Education
We offer premier educational and training programs designed to develop compassionate, well-rounded clinicians and researchers. Our curriculum emphasizes leadership and compassion alongside technical mastery. We offer a unique five-year clinical residency track, as well as a dedicated research track for those seeking an additional year of scientific inquiry. Our residents train in leading-edge facilities—including the region’s first Level 1 Trauma Center—while rotating through subspecialties such as trauma, oncology, foot and ankle, spine, sports medicine, hand surgery, and joint reconstruction. They also gain vital experience in pediatric care, radiology, and plastic surgery. Additionally, we host four specialized fellowship programs in trauma, joint reconstruction, spine, and hand surgery.
Patient Care
Our team performs comprehensive orthopedic care across the full spectrum of the field, from hand and microvascular surgery to complex oncology and trauma cases. We also specialize in joint reconstruction, physical medicine and rehabilitation, spine health, and sports medicine. We actively embrace innovation through clinical trials and leading-edge technologies, such as virtual-reality-assisted spinal surgery and advanced procedures in kyphoplasty. Our faculty members are consistently recognized among the "Best Doctors in America," and we are proud to serve as the official orthopedic and sports medicine providers for the San Diego Padres, San Diego Seals, and UC San Diego Athletics.
Research
We conduct basic, clinical, and translational research through robust collaboration both within and outside our department. Our primary research areas include bone and cartilage regeneration, epidemiology, bone and vascular calcification, and immunometabolism. By integrating science and clinical medicine, we break down traditional silos to spark the inspired dialogues that lead to medical breakthroughs. In 2025, we ranked #20 by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research for NIH funding.
We invite you to consider making a gift to support our continued progress in advancing orthopedic care, education, and discovery. Philanthropic support plays a vital role in sustaining our residency and fellowship programs, enabling innovative clinical trials, and accelerating impactful research.
Thank you for your interest in, and partnership with, the UC San Diego Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Your support helps strengthen our ability to serve our patients, educate future leaders, and push the boundaries of what is possible in musculoskeletal health.
With sincere appreciation,
Reid Abrams, MD
Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Interim Department Chair
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
UC San Diego School of Medicine