Antonia F. Chen, M.D., M.B.A., an orthopedic surgeon known for her studies on clinical outcomes after hip and knee replacements, is just a month into her role as the new Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and is already aiming for improvements in patient care, education, and research.

Dr. Chen joined UTSW Sept. 1 as Chair and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, previously serving as Chief of Arthroplasty and Joint Reconstruction and Director of Research, Arthroplasty Services, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and as Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School.

“Dr. Chen’s stellar record and commitment to exceptional clinical care, collaborative research, and mentorship will elevate the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and position our institution as a national hub for clinical excellence and innovation in orthopedic surgery,” said W. P. Andrew Lee, M.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean of UT Southwestern Medical School.

After completing undergraduate studies at Yale University, Dr. Chen went to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and earned an M.B.A. from Rutgers Business School. During her first year of medical school, she decided to specialize in orthopedics when she observed the impact that arthroplasty had on patients. “Patients went from not walking to walking,” she said. “Seeing that was life-changing for me.”

Following her orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Chen continued her postdoctoral training with a fellowship in hip and knee arthroplasty at the Rothman Institute.

Dr. Chen has published extensively on topics ranging from the complex microbiome of periprosthetic joint infections to the sociological determinants of surgical quality of care.

Center Times Plus spoke with the new Chair about her career achievements and future plans for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

What are your goals for the Department?

I want to make UT Southwestern’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery the best in the nation. As the Department Chair, I plan to accelerate clinical work, focus on education for the next generation, and conduct research that will improve patients’ lives.

What are some significant advances in knee and hip replacements?

Robotics and navigation will continue to improve the procedures we are doing by providing greater precision. There have also been decreased lengths in hospital stays for patients. Twenty years ago, patients who had a hip replacement would go home after two weeks; patients are now going home the same day.

Additionally, implant materials have gotten better. We used to only do knee and hip replacements in older patients due to short implant survivorship. Now, we do knee and hip replacements in patients of all ages, and the implant survivorship has improved. My youngest total hip replacement patient is 16 and presented with erosive juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in his hips; he had to walk with crutches and couldn’t participate in activities. After hip replacement surgery, he is now walking without crutches and has even played sports.

What advances do you see happening in the coming decades?

We will improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications, such as infection. Infection prevention techniques will get better, and infection treatment techniques will become more effective. We will also perform fewer invasive procedures, as we’ll likely replace joints with cartilage instead of metal and plastic. Meanwhile, implantation materials and hardware will improve, and the longevity of implants should continue to increase.

Only a small percentage of orthopedic surgeons are women. What inspired you to pursue this field?

I initially wanted to go into pediatrics, but then I discovered orthopedics and how life-changing the procedures in this field can be. Even though the hip and knee arthroplasty subspecialty has only 3% women surgeons, I chose this field because it allows patients to walk again. I have been fortunate to have mentors who have helped me throughout my career, and I have made it my platform to recruit more women into orthopedics, and specifically arthroplasty. Today, 15% of residents in orthopedics are women.

You have been described as providing exceptional patient care. To what do you attribute this?

I spend a lot of time listening to my patients. I talk to them, have empathy, and don’t rush them. I like working with patients; they are the reason that I am a physician.

What accomplishment are you proudest of?

I am most proud of my mentorship awards. At my last job, there were many incredible mentors, and to be selected for these awards was very humbling. [Dr. Chen received the 2023 Outstanding Mentor Award from Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the 2021 HMS Scholars in Medicine Excellence in Student Mentoring Award from Harvard Medical School.]