A Letter from our Chair

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

It is my privilege to lead a department committed to advancing orthopedic surgery through excellence in patient care, research, and education. As part of UTHealth Houston — Texas’ most comprehensive academic health center and Houston’s health university — we are dedicated to improving musculoskeletal health across our region and beyond. Our faculty includes nationally recognized orthopedic surgeons and fellowship-trained specialists in sports medicine, orthopedic trauma and fracture care, total joint replacement, spine care, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, pediatric orthopedics and scoliosis, and orthopedic oncology.

Our mission is straightforward: deliver exceptional, evidence-based orthopedic care while training the next generation of orthopedic surgery leaders. Through our partnerships with Memorial Hermann and Harris Health, our patients benefit from coordinated, high-quality care across a broad clinical network. We emphasize conservative treatment whenever appropriate and offer advanced surgical solutions, including minimally invasive procedures, complex fracture reconstruction and state-of-the-art joint arthroplasty, when surgery is needed. Our goal is always to restore function, reduce pain, and help patients return to the activities they love.

Education remains central to who we are. Medical students, residents, and fellows train in a dynamic academic environment alongside internationally respected faculty. Our learners gain experience managing complex musculoskeletal injuries, performing advanced joint replacement procedures, and providing sideline coverage for competitive athletes. We are proud to prepare graduates who lead in academic medicine, private practice, and health systems nationwide.

Innovation drives our future. Our research programs advance orthopedic science through clinical trials, biomechanics research, outcomes analysis, and translational investigation. By integrating research with clinical care, we continually elevate standards in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.

Whether you are a prospective student exploring a career in orthopedic surgery, a trainee seeking advanced fellowship training, or a patient searching for comprehensive orthopedic care, we welcome the opportunity to partner with you. At UTHealth Houston, we are honored to serve our community and remain committed to shaping the future of orthopedic excellence.

Walter R. Lowe, MD

Department of Orthopedic Surgery
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston