Award will support key initiatives to improve management of musculoskeletal injuries in the region
SAN FRANCISCO (March 13, 2026) — The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery enthusiastically announces that Theodore Miclau, MD and co-investigator Madeline MacKechnie, PhD, MA have received $700,000 in renewed funding for a multi-year initiative to improve musculoskeletal care in Latin America by expanding access, quality, and outcomes. Provided by the Wyss Medical Foundation, the award supports innovative work to improve orthopaedic trauma care throughout the region.
Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for young adults worldwide. Although traumatic injuries represent a significant global burden, mortality and morbidity rates are two to five times higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries (HICs).
Notably, Latin America, a region comprised mostly of LMICs, has the highest proportion of road traffic fatalities per capita worldwide. With only one percent of the orthopaedic trauma literature published in major orthopaedic journals originating in Latin America, most surgeons in the region must rely on research conducted in HICs, which is often not directly applicable due to limited resources.
Since its founding in 2017, ACTUAR (Asociación de Cirujanos Traumatólogos en las Américas; Association of Trauma Surgeons in the Americas) has grown from a small, early-stage initiative to arguably the region's most influential orthopaedic trauma investigative network. Through collaboration, ACTUAR has created tangible pathways to improve clinical care in regional settings through a culture of inquiry and targeted interventions. This innovative group, now comprising more than 225 surgeons from 19 Latin American countries, conducts projects relevant to their patient populations.
“This award underscores the importance of expanding high-quality orthopaedic care to underserved communities in our neighboring regions and recognizes the significance of this effort,” said C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “We look forward to the continued accomplishments of this remarkable team.”
Drs. Miclau and MacKechnie lead this innovative organization, reflecting UCSF’s institutional commitment to advancing care worldwide.