The following surgeons lead departments at hospitals ranked in the top 10 for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, following a previous look at the leaders of the top-five programs.
UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center (San Francisco)
U.S. News rank: 6
C. Benjamin Ma, MD, is chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. A longtime faculty member and former chief of sports medicine and shoulder surgery, Dr. Ma specializes in arthroscopic shoulder and knee procedures, rotator cuff repair and ligament reconstruction. His research focuses on improving outcomes after soft tissue injuries, and he has helped lead national collaborative research efforts in orthopaedic outcomes.
North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health (Manhasset, N.Y.)
U.S. News rank: 7
Nicholas Sgaglione, MD, is chair of orthopedic surgery for Northwell Health and the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and serves as senior vice president for orthopaedics and executive director of the Northwell Orthopaedic Institute. A specialist in sports medicine, Dr. Sgaglione has led numerous professional organizations and contributed extensively to orthopedic research and education. He is recognized for his leadership in advancing arthroscopic and cartilage restoration techniques and has served as a longtime team physician for collegiate and professional athletes.
Stanford (Calif.) Health Care-Stanford Hospital
U.S. News rank: 8
William Maloney, MD, is the Boswell Chair of Orthopaedics and professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford Health Care. An international leader in joint replacement, Dr. Maloney’s research has advanced understanding of implant wear, bone erosion and prosthetic design. He has held leadership roles in major orthopedic organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Hip Society, and has been recognized for his contributions to improving outcomes in hip and knee replacement surgery.
Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian (Philadelphia)
U.S. News rank: 9
Benjamin “Kyle” Potter, MD, is chair of orthopedic surgery at Penn Medicine. A retired Army colonel and former chair of surgery at Bethesda, MD.-based Uniformed Services University, Dr. Potter is internationally recognized for his expertise in combat casualty and limb reconstruction surgery. He has more than two decades of military and academic leadership, with a focus on advancing trauma care and surgical innovation.
Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center & Orthopedic Hospital (Santa Monica, Calif.)
U.S. News rank: 10
Nicholas Bernthal, MD, is chair and executive medical director of orthopedic surgery at UCLA Health. A specialist in musculoskeletal oncology and reconstructive surgery, he is recognized for his leadership in advancing equitable access to care and expanding community engagement initiatives. Dr. Bernthal has helped develop clinical and educational programs at UCLA, including the Downtown Los Angeles Orthopaedic Surgery Center, and continues to focus on innovation in patient care, research and mentorship.
