From left, Saam Morshed, MD, PhD, MPH, and David Lowenberg, MD. (Photos: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
San Francisco (June 04, 2026) — The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is filled with gratitude and excitement following the addition of its 16th endowed professorship.
On May 26, 2026, the investiture of the Lowenberg Family Endowed Professorship in Orthopedic Trauma Reconstruction and Osteomyelitis took place at Byers Auditorium in Genentech Hall at the UCSF Mission Bay campus. The event honored the namesake of the chair, David Lowenberg, MD, and celebrated the inaugural holder of the chair, Saam Morshed, MD, PhD, MPH.
Dean Talmadge E. King Jr., MD delivered opening remarks for the investiture. He was followed by introductions from Department Chair C. Benjamin Ma, MD, and Department Vice Chair for Systems and Operations, Theodore Miclau III, MD. In attendance were Dr. Lowenberg’s and Dr. Morshed’s families, s, and supporters. Additionally, Dr. Lowenberg welcomed a mutual patient, who has received treatment from both Dr. Lowenberg and Dr. Morshed, to share the powerful impact of their care on his life.
Dr. Lowenberg has numerous accolades and awards for his work in orthopaedic trauma. Dr. Lowenberg's extensive training and experience allow him to provide comprehensive treatments for his patients and mentorship to his trainees. He has a passion for improving osteomyelitis and noted in his speech that this chair is the first in North America dedicated to supporting the study of bone infections. He shared that over the past three decades, the osteomyelitis cure rate has increased from about 12% in 1990 to 98% at specialized centers today due to focused research and treatments developed as a result of a better understanding of the underlying disease. He was mentored by Harry Buncke, MD, the father of microsurgery, and by George Cierny III, MD, the father of osteomyelitis surgery. He has served as President of the Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care Foundation (OTC) International from 2018 to 2019, of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society of North America from 2006 to 2007, and of the Foundation for Orthopaedic Trauma from 2013 to 2016. Even with these legacy titles and honors, Dr. Lowenberg still wanted to find another pathway to give back to the trauma practice at the University of California, San Francisco. Along with the department executive board, he came up with the idea of establishing an endowed professorship.
The Lowenberg Family Endowed Professorship in Orthopedic Trauma Reconstruction supports nationally recognized leadership in advancing multidisciplinary care for complex orthopaedic trauma at UCSF and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. The endowed professor is recognized nationally, both academically and clinically, for expertise in adult orthopaedic trauma and the management of osteomyelitis and fracture nonunion.
"Any gift to the university to establish such a position is remarkable in itself — but that it bears the name of a mentor whose teachings I live by every single day makes this honor almost unfathomably more meaningful to me. Dr. Lowenberg, thank you, and I won't forget — for the sake of all the patients whose lives this work has yet to touch," said Dr. Morshed.
Dr. Morshed, nicknamed ‘the Chairman’ by his co-residents, is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in caring for patients with traumatic skeletal injuries and serves as Chief of the UCSF Division of Orthopaedic Trauma. Dr. Morshed's research is focused on improving clinical outcomes in the management of acute injuries and chronic problems that could complicate trauma recovery, such as infections and fracture non-unions. He earned his PhD in Epidemiology during his orthopaedic surgery residency and is one of only two orthopaedic surgeons holding a PhD in epidemiology in North America. Dr. Morshed has authored over 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications, ten textbook chapters, and has received numerous awards and grants for his work in clinical outcomes research in orthopaedic trauma.
Standing, from left to right: Talmadge E. King Jr, MD, Dean of the School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor, Medical Affairs; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Theodore Miclau III, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Vice Chair of Systems and Operations; and David Lowenberg, MD, namesake of the Lowenberg Family Endowed Professorship in Orthopedic Trauma Reconstruction. Sitting: Saam Morshed, MD, PhD, MPH, inaugural chair holder (Photo: University Development & Alumni Relations, UCSF)
Dr. Morshed’s family surround him as he sits in the chair for the first time (Photo: University Development & Alumni Relations, UCSF)
The inaugural chair for the Lowenberg Family Endowed Professorship in Orthopedic Trauma Reconstruction and Osteomyelitis (Photo: University Development & Alumni Relations, UCSF)