The following female surgeons lead orthopedic surgery departments at hospitals ranked among the top 50 for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26. Each is among a small but growing group of women heading academic orthopedic programs nationwide.
- Leesa Galatz, MD: Mount SinaI Hospital (New York City)
U.S. News rank: 14
Dr. Galatz is chair of the Leni and Peter May department of orthopedic surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. A specialist in shoulder and elbow surgery, she focuses on rotator cuff disorders, instability and joint replacement. Her research explores the biology of tendon healing and rotator cuff repair, supported by multiple National Institutes of Health-funded studies, and she is recognized nationally for her leadership in orthopedic research and education.
- Antonia Chen, MD: UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)
U.S. News rank: 29
Dr. Chen is chair of the department of orthopaedic surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She specializes in hip and knee replacement, including complex revision and infection management procedures. Her research examines arthroplasty outcomes and strategies to reduce disparities in joint replacement care, supported by federally funded studies. Dr. Chen previously served as chief of arthroplasty and joint reconstruction at Boston-based Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is recognized nationally for her leadership in hip and knee surgery.
- Lisa Lattanza, MD: Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital
U.S. News rank: 41
Dr. Lattanza is chair of the department of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine and chief of orthopaedics at Yale New Haven Hospital. She specializes in surgical reconstruction of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand for both pediatric and adult patients. An international leader in personalized 3D surgical planning, Dr. Lattanza pioneered techniques for correcting upper extremity deformities using virtual modeling and custom implants. She is also co-founder of the Perry Initiative, a nonprofit advancing women’s representation in orthopaedic surgery through nationwide mentorship and training programs.
- Tamara Scerpella, MD: UW Health University Hospital (Madison, Wis.)
U.S. News rank: 46
Dr. Scerpella is the A.A. McBeath distinguished professor and chair of the department of orthopedics and rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. A sports medicine specialist, she focuses on shoulder and knee instability, cartilage injuries and arthroscopic reconstruction procedures. Her research explores bone health in young athletes, ACL reconstruction outcomes and patellar instability repair. Dr. Scerpella also serves as team physician for the UW Badger women’s hockey and softball teams and is recognized nationally for her mentorship and leadership in sports medicine and orthopaedic education.
- April Armstrong, MD: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey (Pa.) Medical Center
U.S. News rank: 49
Dr. Armstrong is the C. McCollister Evarts professor and chair of the department of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She also serves as chief of the shoulder and elbow service and specializes in complex reconstructive procedures for shoulder and elbow conditions. Her research focuses on glenoid morphology, implant design and biomechanics in shoulder arthroplasty. Dr. Armstrong serves on the board of directors of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, where she is slated to serve as president, and is an associate editor for the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.
