Orthopedic surgery continues to evolve as new technologies, care models and leadership approaches reshape the field. Across the Midwest, surgeons are driving that progress, advancing complex procedures, leading major departments and expanding access to high-quality musculoskeletal care.
The physicians featured below are recognized for their clinical excellence, research contributions and influence within their organizations and the broader orthopedic community. Together, they reflect the depth of talent and leadership helping define the future of orthopedic surgery in the region.
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.
- Matthew Abdel, MD. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.): Dr. Abdel is chair of the Surgical and Procedural Committee at Mayo Clinic and a professor of orthopedic surgery, where he specializes in complex hip and knee reconstruction. Nationally recognized for his expertise in revision arthroplasty and periprosthetic joint infections, he leads efforts to improve surgical quality and innovation across the Rochester campus.
Dr. Abdel serves in the presidential line of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and has held leadership roles with The Knee Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, helping advance the field through clinical leadership, research and education.
- Thomas Mroz, MD. Cleveland Clinic: Dr. Mroz is enterprise chair of orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation at Cleveland Clinic and director of spine research at the system’s Center for Spine Health. An internationally recognized spine surgeon, he treats complex spinal conditions with a focus on cervical spine disorders, including disc herniations, myelopathy and revision surgery.
Dr. Mroz is widely respected for advancing spine care through clinical innovation, research and leadership across one of the nation’s leading health systems.
- Muyibat Adelani, MD. SSM Health (St. Louis): Dr. Adelani is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult joint reconstruction, with a focus on hip and knee replacement.
Dr. Adelani is involved in orthopedic research, education and national committee work aimed at improving patient care. She is a member of several leading organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and is recognized for her commitment to advancing outcomes in joint replacement surgery.
- Terrance Peabody, MD. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Chicago): Dr. Peabody is chair of the department of orthopedic surgery at Northwestern and the Edwin Warner Ryerson professor of orthopaedic surgery. A nationally recognized musculoskeletal oncologist, he specializes in the treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors, including limb salvage and complex reconstruction for adult and pediatric patients.
Dr. Peabody is a past president of the American Orthopaedic Association and has held numerous national leadership roles, including serving as a director of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is widely respected for his contributions to orthopedic education, research and mentorship.
- Heather Vallier, MD. Cleveland Clinic: Dr. Vallier is a professor of orthopedic surgery at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and a nationally recognized leader in orthopedic trauma. She specializes in fracture care and has led extensive research on injury treatment and outcomes, publishing more than 250 peer-reviewed articles and more than 20 book chapters.
Dr. Vallier is the first female president of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and serves as deputy editor of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. She is widely respected for her contributions to education, research and mentorship, as well as her work advancing multidisciplinary care for trauma patients.
- Brian Cole, MD. Rush University Medical Center (Chicago): Dr. Cole is a professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush and serves as section head of the Cartilage Research and Restoration Center, where he focuses on regenerative medicine and joint preservation for active patients. He is associate chairman of the department of orthopedics and has held key leadership roles across Rush, including chairman of surgery at Rush Oak Park (Ill.) Hospital.
A nationally recognized sports medicine specialist, Dr. Cole has published more than 1,000 articles and multiple textbooks, and has developed innovative techniques for treating knee, shoulder and elbow conditions. He serves as head team physician for the Chicago Bulls and co-team physician for the Chicago White Sox, and is widely regarded as a leader in orthopedic research, education and athlete care.
- Mary Morrell, MD. Midwest Sports Medicine (Elk Grove Village, Ill.): Dr. Morrell is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in fracture care, hand and wrist surgery and women’s musculoskeletal health. With more than 20 years of experience, she is known for her expertise in closed-fracture management, arthroscopic procedures and minimally invasive techniques.
Dr. Morrell takes a conservative, patient-centered approach to care and performs the majority of her procedures in outpatient settings, supporting faster recovery and improved patient experience. She is also recognized for her focus on conditions affecting women, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and female athlete health.
- Joel Boyd, MD. TRIA Orthopedics (Bloomington, Minn.): Dr. Boyd is an orthopedic surgeon and the longtime team physician for the Minnesota Wild, serving in the role since the franchise’s inception and becoming the first Black team physician in NHL history. He has also worked extensively with USA Hockey and Team USA at the Olympic and international levels, helping advance sports medicine in elite hockey.
Widely respected for his leadership and impact in sports medicine, Dr. Boyd has played a key role in expanding medical care in hockey while serving as a mentor and trailblazer for greater diversity in the field.
- Nicolas Piuzzi, MD. Cleveland Clinic: Dr. Piuzzi is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult joint reconstruction and serves as director of Cleveland Clinic Adult Joint Reconstruction Research. A clinician-scientist, he focuses on primary and revision hip and knee procedures, with expertise in complex conditions including periprosthetic infections, fractures and joint failure.
Dr. Piuzzi performs more than 400 surgeries annually and leads one of the nation’s most productive arthroplasty research programs, overseeing a team that publishes more than 100 peer-reviewed studies each year. He has authored more than 300 publications and is widely recognized for advancing evidence-based orthopedic surgery and personalized approaches to joint care.
- B. Bus Tarbox, MD. Columbia (Mo.) Orthopaedic Group: Dr. Tarbox is a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow and ankle. He has built a practice focused on treating athletes across all levels.
Dr. Tarbox serves as team physician for the Columbia-based University of Missouri’s wrestling program and several regional schools, and is recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive techniques and athlete care throughout mid-Missouri.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
