Jessica L. Traver, MD

Biography

Jessica Traver, MD, is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston (external link). She is board-certified and dual fellowship-trained in pediatric orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. A former NCAA Division I soccer player, she brings firsthand insight into caring for young athletes recovering from injury.

She treats children, adolescents, and young athletes with sports injuries, pediatric trauma, growth plate injuries, ACL and meniscus tears, and other orthopedic conditions. She provides both surgical and nonsurgical care and develops personalized treatment plans that help young patients recover safely and return to sports and everyday activities.

Education and Training

Dr. Traver earned her medical degree from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. She then completed her orthopedic surgery internship and residency at Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. After residency, she completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. She also completed a second fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Harvard University/Boston Children’s Hospital. During her sports medicine fellowship, she served as a team physician for the University of Massachusetts Boston. She also provided medical coverage for the 2019 Boston Marathon.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Traver specializes in pediatric orthopedic surgery and pediatric sports medicine. She treats pediatric trauma, growth plate injuries, ACL tears, patellar instability, ankle instability, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), pediatric fractures, and injuries involving the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. She has a special interest in caring for skeletally immature athletes and helping children and adolescents return safely to sports, school, and active lifestyles.

Research and Academic Interests

Dr. Traver’s research focuses on pediatric sports medicine, ACL injuries, and psychological readiness for return to sport. She has authored peer-reviewed publications, presented nationally, and remains active in orthopedic research and medical education.

Professional Background

Dr. Traver is a native Houstonian and fluent Spanish speaker. She grew up in Spring, Texas, where she played competitive soccer for Challenge SC. She later earned her undergraduate degree from Tulane University while competing as an NCAA Division I women’s soccer player. Tulane inducted her into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015. Today, she combines her personal experience as an athlete with advanced fellowship training to care for children, adolescents, and young athletes throughout the Greater Houston area.

She is currently seeing patients at our Sugar Land and Katy clinics.