Dr. Michele D’Apuzzo Honored for Excellence in Orthopaedic Surgery and Medical Leadership
The Miller School orthopaedic surgeon will join an elite group as a Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association and be inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Michele D’Apuzzo, M.D., professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, will join an elite group as a Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association. Additionally, Dr. D’Apuzzo will be inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society for his dedication to academic excellence, professionalism and service in medicine.
These appointments expand on his involvement with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
“I’m driven by a profound dedication to improving the lives of my patients and advancing the field of orthopaedics,” Dr. D’Apuzzo said. “These recent recognitions aren’t just personal accolades but affirmations of my responsibility to contribute meaningfully to medicine. My passion lies in ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care and that every trainee I mentor carries forward that same ethos.”
An Elite Orthopaedic Surgeon
The American Orthopaedic Association is the oldest and most prestigious orthopaedic association in the U.S. Only 10% of orthopaedic surgeons are named Fellows for their significant contributions to the field.
“Becoming a Fellow signifies my peers view me as a leader committed to improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of orthopaedics,” Dr. D’Apuzzo said. “This recognition inspires me to continue my efforts with renewed dedication and to leverage the opportunities provided by the organization to further enhance our specialty.”
Dr. D’Apuzzo attributes his acceptance to scholarly achievement, leadership and professional impact. With more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, he has been recognized by The Knee Society for his work on morbid obesity’s impact on knee arthroplasty. He has also published on adductor canal blocks in journals like Anesthesiology, reflecting his commitment to advancing surgical outcomes.
These recent recognitions aren’t just personal accolades but affirmations of my responsibility to contribute meaningfully to medicine. My passion lies in ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care and that every trainee I mentor carries forward that same ethos.
Dr. Michele D’Apuzzo
Beyond research, Dr. D’Apuzzo has secured substantial grants to support innovation and education, including a $300,000 fellowship grant and a $300,000 grant from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation to investigate glucose variability in joint replacement patients. He is director of the Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Fellowship Program at the Miller School and president of the Miami Orthopedic Society.
“As a member, I am eager to engage in the organization’s robust leadership development initiatives, which are renowned for cultivating excellence in orthopaedics,” Dr. D’Apuzzo said. “I also look forward to research and networking collaborations with our members while shaping health care delivery and educational standards on a broader scale.”
The Highest Standards of Medical Practice
Formed in 1902, Alpha Omega Alpha honors people who excel in scholarship and uphold the highest standards of medical practice.
“This induction affirms the dedication I have shown throughout my career, from my time in medical school to my current roles at the Miller School,” Dr. D’Apuzzo said. “Not only is this a personal achievement but also a responsibility to continue embodying the society’s values. This honor reinforces my resolve to serve as a mentor and advocate within the medical community, ensuring that my work contributes to improving patient care and professional development.”
Dr. D’Apuzzo’s extensive publication record stand as proof of immense scholarly contributions, including impactful studies in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and The Journal of Arthroplasty. He devotes significant effort to educating student and early-career surgeons, many of whom have earned young researcher awards.
“My commitment to humanism and service is vividly demonstrated through my participation in Operation Walk, where I provided pro bono surgical care in Guatemala, Nicaragua and multiple years in the U.S.,” Dr. D’Apuzzo said. “These efforts were all to address the needs of underserved populations, and I am proud to have lived up to these standards through my professional endeavors.”
Advancing Orthopaedic Surgery
With his many accolades, Dr. D’Apuzzo remains focused on advancing orthopaedics. In the research sector, he plans to build on his current work in joint replacement surgery, particularly exploring innovations that reduce complications and improve patient outcomes. He sees his fellowship grant, which will fund the training of future adult reconstruction specialists, as critical to the field.
Dr. D’Apuzzo aspires to take on greater responsibilities within national organizations to influence policy and practice on a broader scale while enhancing the Miller School’s orthopaedics fellowship program, ensuring it remains a leader in training skilled, compassionate surgeons.
Tags: Adult Joint Reconstruction Clinic, Adult Reconstruction Fellowship, Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. Michele D'Apuzzo, Orthopaedic surgery