SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 1, 2023) The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is pleased to welcome Michael Chau, MD, PhD, to our faculty as an assistant professor of pediatric orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine.
Dr. Michael Chau is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the surgical and non-surgical management of sports-related injuries and conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee in young athletes. His approach to patient care is rooted in applying evidence-based medicine and cutting-edge techniques, including traditional and minimally invasive, to meet each individual’s goals. He prioritizes empowering patients and their families to make informed medical decisions with an emphasis on long-term function, performance, and wellbeing.
Dr. Chau graduated from Northwestern University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering. He received his doctorate in medical sciences focusing on cartilage biology from Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr. Chau earned his medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at University of Minnesota. He then completed a pediatric orthopedic surgery fellowship at University of Texas Southwestern (Scottish Rite for Children) followed by a second fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine surgery at Cedars-Sinai (Kerlan Jobe Institute).
Dr. Chau’s research focuses on understanding the biology of growth plate and articular cartilage development, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, and improving clinical outcomes of joint preservation strategies. His work has been presented nationally and internationally, and he has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Chau is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Passionate about the sports medicine community, Dr. Chau has served as team physician for Pepperdine University and various junior colleges and high schools in Los Angeles and Minneapolis-St. Paul. He was assistant team physician involved with medical and surgical care for the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Rams (NFL), and Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS). As an endurance athlete, he has completed multiple marathons and triathlons. In his free time, he enjoys sports, the great outdoors, travel, music, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Chau will be seeing patients in the East Bay at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Walnut Creek.
