Orthopedic surgery remains one of the least diverse specialties in medicine, with women and underrepresented minorities still making up a small share of the workforce. While progress is happening, it’s been gradual, and there’s still meaningful work ahead.
At the same time, the leaders shaping the future of the field are bringing new perspectives, experiences and approaches to care.
The following 10 surgeons stand out for their clinical innovation, institutional leadership and the ways they are expanding what orthopedics looks like, and who it serves.
Editor’s note: This is not a comprehensive or ranked list. Becker’s does not endorse any individual featured. To nominate a physician for a future list, contact seydis@beckershealthcare.com
- Erica Taylor, MD. Duke Health (Durham, N.C.): Dr. Taylor is a hand and upper extremity surgeon and healthcare leader specializing in conditions such as thumb arthritis and nerve compression syndromes. She combines clinical expertise with national thought leadership in healthcare transformation, focusing on quality, equity and leadership development. She is known for a patient-centered approach that prioritizes restoring function and quality of life.
- Kristy Weber, MD. University of Pennsylvania Health System (Philadelphia): Dr. Weber is an orthopedic oncologist and nationally recognized leader who in 2026 became the first woman to receive AAOS’ William W. Tipton Jr., MD, Leadership Award. A past president of the AAOS, she has played a key role in advancing governance reform and strategic direction within the organization, while also building leading multidisciplinary sarcoma programs at Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Weber is widely respected for her contributions to clinical research, diversity and mentorship in orthopedics, and her ongoing work to expand leadership opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.
- Douglas Padgett, MD. Hospital for Special Surgery (New York City): Dr. Padgett is surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS and a leading expert in hip and knee replacement.
A former chief of HSS’ adult reconstruction and joint replacement service, he has helped advance innovations in joint replacement, including research in biomaterials, robotic surgery and thrombosis prevention. Dr. Padgett also brings a distinguished military background, having served as a navy surgeon during operations in Grenada, Beirut and the Persian Gulf and remains active in national orthopedic leadership organizations.
- Mary Mulcahey, MD. Loyola University Medical Center (Maywood, Ill.): Dr. Mulcahey is division director of sports medicine at Loyola University Medical Center and director of its women’s sports medicine program, where she leads a multidisciplinary approach to caring for active patients.
She has particular expertise in ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries and sports-related conditions. Dr. Mulcahey is recognized for advancing care for female athletes and has been selected for prestigious national and international traveling fellowships, while also serving as a team physician for Loyola University Chicago athletics.
- Matthew Abdel, MD. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.): Dr. Abdel is chair of the surgical and procedural committee at Mayo Clinic and a leader in adult reconstruction, specializing in complex hip and knee procedures, including revision arthroplasty and periprosthetic joint infections.
A professor of orthopaedic surgery with a joint appointment in infectious diseases, he is recognized for advancing high-acuity surgical care and innovation. Dr. Abdel also leads a nationally prominent research and education program and holds key leadership roles with the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and other major orthopedic organizations.
- C. Benjamin Ma, MD. University of California San Francisco: Dr. Ma is chair of the UCSF department of orthopedic surgery and a nationally recognized sports medicine and shoulder specialist. His clinical expertise includes rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, knee ligament reconstruction and cartilage injuries.
An accomplished researcher, Dr. Ma’s work focuses on advanced imaging and improving outcomes after ACL and shoulder surgeries, earning multiple national awards. He is also widely recognized for excellence in teaching and has been named a top physician in the San Francisco region for more than a decade.
- Benjamin “Kyle” Potter, MD. Penn Medicine (Philadelphia): Dr. Potter is chair of orthopedic surgery at Penn Medicine and a leading expert in orthopedic trauma, limb reconstruction and musculoskeletal oncology.
A retired U.S. Army colonel, he previously led major limb optimization and amputee care programs at Bethesda, Md.-based Uniformed Services University-Walter Reed department of surgery, advancing innovative techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain for injured service members. Dr. Potter’s work continues to shape the field through research in trauma outcomes, predictive modeling and complex reconstructive care.
- Linda Suleiman, MD. Northwestern Medicine (Chicago): Dr. Suleiman is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive hip and knee arthroplasty and an associate dean for diversity and inclusion at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
She is recognized for her leadership in advancing equity in orthopedics, with research focused on disparities in access and outcomes in joint replacement. Dr. Suleiman made history as the first Black woman to graduate from Northwestern’s orthopedic residency program and continues to shape the field through her work in education, policy and advocacy.
- Gabriella Ode, MD. Hospital for Special Surgery (New York City): Dr. Ode is a sports medicine and shoulder surgeon specializing in advanced shoulder, knee and elbow procedures, including revision and computer-navigated shoulder arthroplasty.
With subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine, she is also a team physician for the WNBA’s New York Liberty and an assistant team physician for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. Dr. Ode is an active researcher and educator with more than 100 presentations and publications, and is recognized for her work advancing shoulder surgery, surgical training and diversity in orthopedics.
- MaCalus Hogan, MD. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Dr. Hogan is chair of orthopedic surgery at UPMC and a nationally recognized foot and ankle specialist with a strong focus on musculoskeletal research and innovation.
He has authored more than 200 publications and leads the Foot and Ankle Injury Research group. Dr. Hogan also serves as a consultant to multiple collegiate and professional sports teams, combining clinical expertise, research leadership and executive insight to advance orthopedic care.
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