Orthopedic surgery has traditionally been one of the most male-dominated fields in medicine. Over the past few decades, however, a growing number of women have risen to leadership roles, reshaping the specialty with groundbreaking research, innovative surgical techniques, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation. Below, we celebrate 8 outstanding female orthopedic surgeons who are not only experts in their fields but also dedicated leaders and educators shaping the future of musculoskeletal care.
Dr. Ann Van Heest:
Advancing Orthopaedic Education
Dr. Ann Van Heest, a pediatric hand surgeon, is a leading force in reshaping orthopaedic graduate medical education. As Vice Chair of Education at the University of Minnesota and Chair of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS) Graduate Medical Education Committee, she has championed the shift toward competency-based training models in orthopaedics. Her work with the ABOS Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior (KSB) Program and the development of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME Milestones) has standardized how residents are assessed in core competencies like surgical technique and professionalism.
Dr. Van Heest also integrates surgical simulation into training, helping residents build skills safely and effectively. Her efforts have not only improved curriculum design nationwide but also addressed disparities in training opportunities. Through her leadership, the future of orthopaedic education is more structured, inclusive, and focused on real-world competency.
Dr. Dawn LaPorte:
Champion for Inclusion and Innovation in Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Dawn LaPorte is a nationally respected orthopaedic hand surgeon and educator whose impact reaches well beyond the operating room. Serving as Vice Chair for Education and Residency Program Director in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins University, she has trained and mentored countless surgeons while advancing clinical education.
A defining achievement in Dr. LaPorte’s career is her role as co-founder of Women in Orthopaedics Worldwide (WOW)—an international organization launched in 2021 that now connects women in orthopaedic surgery across more than 60 countries. Born out of the first International Symposium on Women in Orthopaedics, WOW supports global mentorship, builds community, and advocates for gender equity in a specialty where women remain significantly underrepresented. Under her leadership, WOW has helped amplify voices, dismantle barriers, and foster collaboration across continents.
In addition to her global advocacy, Dr. LaPorte leads local diversity initiatives at Johns Hopkins, chairs the department’s Diversity Council, and organizes programs like The Perry Initiative to introduce young women to orthopaedics early in their careers.
Through her educational leadership and advocacy, Dr. LaPorte continues to shape a more inclusive, forward-thinking future for orthopaedic surgery worldwide.
Dr. Erica Taylor:
Leading Change in Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Erica D. Taylor is a trailblazing orthopaedic hand surgeon and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine. As an Assistant Professor at Duke University, she also serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Inclusion and Belonging at Duke Health Integrated Practice and Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Department of Orthopaedics.
One of Dr. Taylor’s most notable achievements is her founding of the Orthopaedic Diversity Leadership Consortium (ODLC), an organization dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership in orthopaedic surgery. The ODLC aims to create a supportive network for underrepresented groups in orthopaedics and develop strategies to increase diversity within the field. Through ODLC, Dr. Taylor has worked to elevate leadership opportunities for diverse individuals, promote mentorship, and advocate for systemic change in the orthopaedic community.
In addition to her leadership in ODLC, Dr. Taylor’s commitment to mentorship has earned her the 2025 Alvin H. Crawford, MD Mentorship Award from the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society (JRGOS), recognizing her exceptional contributions to the development of future orthopaedic surgeons.
Dr. Taylor’s work with ODLC and her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are transforming the landscape of orthopaedic surgery, ensuring that it is more representative, inclusive, and equitable for generations to come.
Dr. Lisa Lattanza:
Advancing Diversity and Innovation in Orthopaedics
Dr. Lisa Lattanza is a leading orthopaedic surgeon and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine. Known for her innovative work in 3D surgical planning for upper extremity deformities, she is also a passionate advocate for diversity in orthopaedics.
A key highlight of Dr. Lattanza’s career is her co-founding of The Perry Initiative, a groundbreaking program designed to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in orthopaedic surgery and engineering. Through hands-on workshops and mentorship, The Perry Initiative engages high school girls, medical students, and educators, providing them with the tools and support to envision themselves in the field of orthopaedics. The initiative has had a lasting impact, helping to cultivate a new generation of women leaders in orthopaedics.
In addition to her work with The Perry Initiative, Dr. Lattanza has been recognized for her leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in orthopaedics, earning the Diversity Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 2021.
Through The Perry Initiative and her other efforts, Dr. Lattanza continues to pave the way for women in orthopaedics, ensuring that the future of the field is more inclusive and innovative.
Dr. Susan Bukata:
Advancing Research in Bone Fragility and Orthopaedic Leadership
Dr. Susan Bukata is a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health. She is widely recognized for her pioneering research on bone fragility, particularly in the context of osteoporosis and rare genetic bone diseases.
A central focus of Dr. Bukata’s career has been her groundbreaking work on understanding bone fragility and improving fracture healing. Her research aims to develop innovative strategies to help patients heal more efficiently without requiring additional surgical interventions. This work is critical in treating patients with conditions that result in weakened bones, such as osteoporosis and genetic bone disorders. Through her studies, Dr. Bukata is helping to shape new approaches for managing bone fragility, potentially improving quality of life for patients with these conditions.
In addition to her research, Dr. Bukata’s leadership as the Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UC San Diego is notable, as she is one of the few women in the U.S. to lead an orthopaedic surgery department.
Dr. Bukata’s contributions to orthopaedics, especially in the area of bone fragility, continue to impact the field, advancing both patient care and scientific understanding.
Dr. Coleen Sabatini:
Advancing Pediatric Orthopaedic Care in Uganda
Dr. Coleen Sabatini, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, has made significant contributions to pediatric musculoskeletal care in Uganda since 2013. She established a pediatric orthopaedic fellowship in Uganda, training local surgeons and improving access to specialized care for children.
Dr. Sabatini has also conducted research on musculoskeletal disabilities related to intramuscular injections, furthering the understanding of pediatric orthopaedic issues in the region. Her humanitarian efforts were recognized with the 2025 Humanitarian Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Dr. Christen Russo:
Leadership in the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society
Dr. Christen M. Russo is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and Associate Professor at Columbia University Medical Center. She has been a dedicated advocate for women and underrepresented minorities in orthopaedic surgery.
In 2023, Dr. Russo served as the President of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS), a national organization committed to supporting women in orthopaedics. During her tenure, she emphasized mentorship, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create a more equitable environment within the field.
As Immediate Past President in 2024, she continued to influence RJOS’s direction, focusing on leadership development and fostering a supportive community for women in orthopaedic surgery.
Dr. Russo’s leadership in RJOS has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission and promoting positive change within the orthopaedic community.
Dr. Lisa Cannada:
Championing Workplace Culture Reform in Orthopaedics
Dr. Lisa Cannada is a founding member of SpeakUpOrtho, a grassroots initiative dedicated to combating bullying, harassment, and discrimination within orthopaedic surgery. Launched in 2021, SpeakUpOrtho provides a platform for individuals to anonymously share experiences of microaggressions, bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination. The initiative aims to raise awareness, foster a culture of accountability, and support those who have faced mistreatment in the field.
Through SpeakUpOrtho, Dr. Cannada and her co-founders have highlighted the prevalence of these issues and the barriers to reporting them. Their efforts have led to increased visibility of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in orthopaedics and have spurred discussions on creating safer and more inclusive environments within the specialty.
Dr. Vonda Wright:
Changing the Narrative on Aging
Dr. Vonda Wright is a, orthopedic surgeon, author, and podcast host recognized for revolutionizing the way we understand aging and mobility. With a background that includes roles like Chief of Sports Medicine at Northside Hospital and founding medical director of the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, she’s worked with elite athletes and active adults alike. Her clinical specialties include minimally invasive joint surgery and orthobiologics, but her influence extends far beyond the operating room.
One of Dr. Wright’s most profound accomplishments is her groundbreaking work in redefining aging as a period of opportunity rather than decline. Through bestselling books like Fitness After 40 and Unbreakable, her podcast HOT for Your Health, and programs like the Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA), she equips individuals—especially women—with tools to build strength, preserve mobility, and optimize health throughout life. She’s become a leading voice in active aging and women’s health, championing the idea that with the right knowledge and mindset, everyone has the power to stay strong, capable, and vibrant at any age.
Dr. Lauren Shapiro:
Advancing Health Equity in Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Lauren Shapiro is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Assistant Professor at UCSF, specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow injuries. One of Dr. Shapiro’s most significant contribution lies in her commitment to health equity and patient-centered care. As the principal investigator of sALLud, a UCSF-based lab, she leads research on healthcare disparities among underrepresented populations, focusing on factors like language, culture, and socioeconomic status. Her work with the Hand Surgery Quality Consortium and leadership in global initiatives aim to improve surgical outcomes and access to quality care worldwide. Through over 65 peer-reviewed publications and international presentations, Dr. Shapiro advocates for a healthcare system that prioritizes patient voices and equitable treatment options.
In 2024, Dr. Shapiro was awarded a prestigious K23 grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) to address healthcare disparities among Spanish-speaking patients with distal radius fractures. Her research focuses on developing and validating culturally adapted Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to ensure accurate assessments and tailored treatments for this population. By collaborating with experts like Dr. Patricia Katz, Dr. Alicia Fernandez, and Dr. Theodore Miclau, Dr. Shapiro aims to bridge the gap in healthcare provision and improve outcomes for Spanish-speaking patients.
Forging the Future of Orthopedics
These women are not only exceptional surgeons but also transformative leaders, educators, and advocates. Their impact is being felt in academic institutions, hospitals, research labs, and global health initiatives. As they continue to lead and inspire, they are redefining what’s possible in orthopedic surgery—for women, for patients, and for the profession at large.