Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego Welcomes Matthew R. Schmitz, MD, FAOA, FAAS, a Leader in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Bringing Expertise in Hip Preservation Techniques and Adolescent Sports Injuries to San Diego’s Premier Pediatric Facility
San Diego, California – Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew R. Schmitz, MD, FAOA, FAAS, as a faculty member in the Department of Orthopaedics. With an illustrious career in pediatric orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Schmitz specializes in open and arthroscopic hip preservation techniques, including hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomies, as well as the treatment of adolescent sports injuries of the knee.
Dr. Schmitz joins Rady Children’s Hospital after an esteemed tenure in the military and academia. Currently serving as a Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), he has held this position since 2024. He is also a founding member and current President of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance (IODA). Additionally, Dr. Schmitz has served as an Orthopaedic Consultant for Major League Rugby since 2017 and has been an Invited Faculty member for the Miller Orthopaedic Review Course since 2010.
Dr. Schmitz’s educational background is equally impressive. He graduated with honors from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Biology before obtaining his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. His contributions to the field have been recognized with Loyola’s Early Career Achievement Award, highlighting his dedication to medical excellence. Notably, Dr. Schmitz was a standout collegiate rugby player and represented the USA National Rugby Team during his medical studies while also being elected to the US Air Force Academy Rugby Hall of Fame.
After completing his residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium and a pediatric orthopaedic fellowship at UCSD-Rady Children’s Hospital in 2012, Dr. Schmitz has developed a robust clinical practice in hip preservation and sports medicine.
With an impressive military career spanning 20 years, Dr. Schmitz retired after being selected for the rank of Colonel in the US Air Force. He previously served as the Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at San Antonio Military Medical Center, leading the Pediatric Orthopaedics/Adolescent Sports Medicine Service and establishing the Department of Defense’s first Young Adult Hip Preservation Service. His leadership roles extend to notable organizations such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America.
As a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Schmitz’s professional affiliations demonstrate his active engagement within the orthopaedic and pediatric communities. His memberships include prestigious organizations such as the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics (Specialty Fellow), the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, the International Rugby Board Science Network, the Arthroscopy Association of North America (Associate Member), the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine, the International Society of Hip Arthroscopy, the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, and Alpha Omega Alpha, Maryland Chapter. Notably, he has been selected as President of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance for 2024-25, showcasing his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the field.
Dr. Schmitz’s contributions to the medical community have not gone unnoticed; he has been recognized in esteemed lists such as Texas Super Doctors from 2020 to 2024 and San Antonio Scene Best Doctors for Pediatric Orthopaedics from 2018 to 2022. His accolades include the US Army Order of Military Medical Merit in 2019 and the Leadership Fellow designation by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2019-2020). Furthermore, he has received multiple awards for teaching and contributions to pediatric orthopaedic research.
In addition to his clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Schmitz is dedicated to philanthropy, particularly through his involvement with Project Perfect World, an organization focused on improving healthcare and quality of life in underserved communities. He contributed to their efforts in Guayaquil, Ecuador since 2013. Through his work with the project, Dr. Schmitz helped provide critical medical services and surgical care to individuals in need, reflecting his strong commitment to giving back to global communities.
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego is excited to welcome Dr. Schmitz to its team, where his expertise and dedication will enhance the quality of care provided to young patients in need of orthopaedic treatment. His leadership and commitment to improving healthcare for children will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the community.
Learn More about Dr. Matthew R. Schmitz:
Through his findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/1598955-Matthew-Schmitz-Orthopedist-Pediatric or through Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, https://www.rchsd.org/doctors/matthew-schmitz-md/
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