The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is committed to conducting cutting edge research, training the next generation of leaders and providing world-class patient care for both adult and pediatric patients.
Orthopedics
As part of the University of Wisconsin community, our Orthopedic program is made up of world-renown providers, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive and competitive surgical training opportunities.
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Rehabilitation Medicine
UW Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation transforms lives by improving function and quality of life through compassionate, evidence-based, and equitable care; advancing the field through collaborative research; and training future PM&R leaders.
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Learn More About Us
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Research is a strong component of our program. With over 9,000 square feet of research space, basic, clinical, and translational research is conducted to improve orthopedic and rehabilitative care around the world.
Our residency and fellowship programs have a strong reputation for training well-rounded clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their respective field.
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The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin provides care in a setting that unites experts from several specialties resulting in the best possible treatment plan.
Our Vision and Mission
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Our vision is to build excellence and distinction in clinical outcomes, translatable research, and graduate training programs that result in local, regional and national prominence.
Our mission is to provide excellent patient care across all aspects of orthopedics and rehabilitation, delivered in a patient-centered, timely, affordable and collegial manner utilizing innovative technology while promoting and advancing socially responsible medical education and research.
Latest News
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Featured Stories
Freedom of Movement Awardee Andrew Watson, MD, aims to Improve Injury Prevention in Young Athletes
February 4, 2026 – Andrew Watson, MD, associate professor in the UW Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and director of the UW Human Performance Lab, has received a 2026 Freedom of Movement (FOM) Award in support of his research project, “The Interaction of Surface Type and Heat Stress to Influence Musculoskeletal Injury and Concussion Risk in Youth Athletes.” The award provides internal funding for a large-scale, data-driven study aimed at reducing injury risk in youth sports through evidence-based match scheduling.
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February 4, 2026 – The UW Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation named orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor Eric Cotter, MD, a recipient of the 2026 Freedom of Movement (FOM) Award. Dr. Cotter’s FOM grant will support an innovative research project focused on improving outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The project, titled “Soft Tissue Tensioning in the Setting of Inlay, Lateralized Designed Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Cadaveric Study,” seeks to better understand how soft-tissue tension affects shoulder function following this commonly performed procedure.
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