“As an immigrant, I have seen firsthand where it may be harder for someone who is a bit different to find opportunities and receive mentorship,” said Dr. Fu in an AAOS news release. “Over the years, I’ve tried to understand and respect people of different backgrounds and reach out to them.”
He has lectured internationally throughout his career and trained many orthopedic surgeons of varying backgrounds. “If we try to do the right thing, communicate and learn from each other and treat everyone equally and with respect, we can attract the best and brightest—including those who historically may not have been exposed to a career in orthopedic surgery,” he said.
The recognition from AAOS is only the latest in several honors and leadership positions bestowed upon Dr. Fu for his ongoing contributions to the field. He was instrumental in establishing the Sports and Prevention Medicine Institute, now called the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine, which has grown into one of the largest comprehensive clinical and research centers in the United States. The center is now housed in the UPMC Sports Performance Complex, which Dr. Fu helped design, and is used by the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dr. Fu’s further accomplishments include the establishment of the University of Pittsburgh’s sports medicine fellowship program, which recruits physicians from around the world. He serves as the team physician for University of Pittsburgh department of athletics, a position he has held since 1986. Dr. Fu’s research has amounted to more than 90 professional awards and numerous major research grants.
During his career, Dr. Fu has been named as one of the 100 most influential Pittsburghers of the 20th century by Pittsburgh Magazine. He has also received the Person of the Year award from the YMCA of Pittsburgh and the Vector’s Pittsburgh Man of the Year for Community Service.
Dr. Fu earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he now serves as a professor, and completed his residency at UPMC. His additional training includes a fellowship in arthroscopic surgery in East Lansing, Mich.
Learn more about Dr. Freddie Fu.
Read other coverage on orthopedic and spine industry leaders:
– Orthopedic and Spine Industry Leader to Know: Dr. Chitranjan S. Ranawat of Ranawat Orthopaedic Center in New York City
– Orthopedic and Spine Industry Leader to Know: Dr. Lee A. Kelley of Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic in Atlanta
