Dr. Brian Grottkau Awarded the Shriners Children’s Endowed Chair in Pediatric Orthopedics
The honor recognizes Dr. Grottkau’s innovative research in pediatric orthopedics, including the development of groundbreaking techniques to help children with idiopathic scoliosis.
Renowned pediatric orthopedist Brian Grottkau, M.D., M.B.A., who has spent three decades researching, pioneering techniques and treating children with debilitating conditions and traumatic injuries, has been honored with the Shriners Children’s Endowed Chair in Pediatric Orthopedics.
Dr. Grottkau, professor of orthopaedics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and UHealth – University of Miami Health System, and chief of pediatric surgical services at Holtz Children’s Hospital, part of Jackson Health System, came to Miami in 2024 from Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was chief of pediatric orthopedics for 21 years. Dr. Grottkau was honored at an April 15 chair ceremony.
Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer at the Miller School, said endowed chair ceremonies recognize the stellar accomplishments of faculty.
“They work long, hard hours researching novel ideas in pursuit of discoveries that will help all humankind,” Dean Ford said. “An endowed chair is among the most important academic honors our faculty members can receive. It is a tradition that is a testament to their dedication and pursuit of excellence. Endowed chairs allow scholars like Dr. Grottkau to continue their groundbreaking research in perpetuity and discover new treatments and cures to fight disease.”
World-class Orthopedic Care for Children
The endowed chair is part of Shriners Hospitals for Children’s mission to provide world-class care to children with complex orthopedic conditions and injuries. In 2022, Shriners Children’s entered a partnership with UHealth and Jackson Health System to create a state-of-the-art facility for pediatric orthopedic patients. The Shriners Children’s Orthopedics Center at UHealth Jackson Children’s Care, set to open in 2025, will be led by two endowed chairs, the first of which was celebrated with Dr. Grottkau.
This moment transcends professional recognition. It represents a sacred trust and an extraordinary opportunity to transform children’s lives
Dr. Brian Grottkau
Dr. Grottkau is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon known for his pioneering work in scoliosis treatment. He has helped advance anterior vertebral body tethering, a groundbreaking, minimally invasive surgical technique designed to preserve spinal motion in children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. His clinical expertise includes comprehensive management of spinal deformities and complex pediatric musculoskeletal disorders. He has a research interest in cartilage repair, including the 3D printing of live articular cartilage to repair cartilage defects in young patients.
Dr. Grottkau earned his undergraduate and medical degrees at Harvard University and has an M.B.A. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His surgical innovation and mentorship have shaped the orthopedic field for nearly three decades.
“This moment transcends professional recognition. It represents a sacred trust and an extraordinary opportunity to transform children’s lives,” said Dr. Grottkau. “The generosity of the Shriners organization is not merely financial. It is a powerful affirmation of our shared mission to provide exceptional care to children facing orthopedic challenges.”
James Lich, chairman of the Board of Governors, Shriners Children’s Florida, said one of the Shriners’ goals is to not only see more patients, but to see them in the right places. Its partnership with UHealth and Jackson Health System helps fulfill that goal.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the relationship that we have here,” he said. “I think this is one of the greatest things we’ve done.”
Noting Dr. Grottkau’s years of service as an orthopedic physician at Shriners Hospital in Boston, Lich said he has high hopes for the future.
“I hope this program stays intact for a very long time to come, because without our relationship here in Miami, we won’t be able to take care of the kids we need to in our communities,” he said.
Carlos A. Migoya, chief executive officer of Jackson Health System, said a great partnership calls for a shared vision of service, a direct impact and a long-term community benefit. The Shriners Children’s Orthopedics Center at UHealth Jackson Children’s Care has been built on all these tenets.
“We’re redefining pediatric orthopedic care in South Florida and improving the lives of children by giving them access to specialized care, allowing them to live healthier, more independent lives,” he said. “By investing in children’s health care, we’re building a stronger community and a healthier future generation, and we are just getting started. Thank you to Shriners Children’s for everything you do on behalf of children, especially in our community.”
Joanne Ruggiero, DNP, M.B.A., MA, NE-BC, chief executive officer of Jackson Memorial Hospital and Holtz Children’s Hospital, said the partnership with Shriners Children’s that formed three years ago has changed access to pediatric patients needing orthopedic care in Miami-Dade County.
“We opened a new clinic and improved the patient experience. We welcomed Dr. Grottkau, who has been a valuable partner in our journey,” she said. “We created a concierge line that has removed barriers for patients and made it easier for them to get the care they need. These endowed chairs, the gifts that Shriners Children’s have given us, really allow us to do this exceptional work.”
“I also want to thank the University of Miami for being such a strong academic partner, and the leadership at Jackson for their continued belief in advancing clinical care and supporting our shared commitment to excellence,” Ruggiero said.
A Vision for the Future
Guillermo “Willy” Prado, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, University of Miami, said the chair ceremony is not only an opportunity to celebrate talented faculty and the generous support of Shriners Children’s, but the successful 70-year partnership between Jackson and the University of Miami.
“Endowed chairs provide an opportunity for incredibly talented faculty to innovate and advance their research, but they also provide an opportunity for our students to train with the most talented individuals on campus,” he said.
Prado said the university launched its “Ever Brighter: The Campaign for Our Next Century” campaign about 10 years ago, with an ambitious goal to raise 100 endowed chairs.
“This is number 111, and we’re still going. We’re not done yet,” he said. “This is an important priority for the institution because it allows us to recruit and retain the most talented individuals.”
Groundbreaking Orthopedic Care
Francis Hornicek, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Orthopedics at the Miller School and chair, chief and medical director of orthopedics at Jackson Health System, was a colleague of Dr. Grottkau’s in Boston for nearly 20 years and felt fortunate his friend had made the move to Miami.
“He has shaped the field for nearly three decades with clinical excellence, surgical innovation and mentorship,” Dr. Hornicek said. “It’s a new chapter in his career, where he can continue to advance pediatric orthopedic care at the Miller School of Medicine in conjunction with Holtz Children’s and Jackson.”
Dr. Grottkau said the honor comes with profound responsibility. His mission is to better serve the children of South Florida, bringing world-class expertise and treatment closer to home. He wants to see the next generation of orthopedic surgeons trained in specialized techniques for pediatric care, to establish a robust clinical research program, and a research laboratory to develop minimally invasive therapies for children with orthopedic conditions.
“The Shriners’ vision and generosity have created a foundation upon which we will build excellence in clinical care, education and research,” he said. “I pledge to honor their trust by pursuing innovations that will benefit children facing orthopedic challenges for generations to come.”
Tags: Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. Brian Grottkau, Shriners Children's Orthopaedics Center