A new orthopaedic surgeon with special training in orthopaedic trauma has joined the CHOC Orthopaedic Institute team. Dr. Jessica McMichael specializes in the care and treatment of fractures and a variety of pediatric musculoskeletal disorders, including limb and foot deformities, and cerebral palsy.
“There is incredible talent here,” Dr. McMichael says proudly of her team. “Several of my colleagues have been amazing mentors.”
Dr. McMichael is working with the CHOC team to develop a multidisciplinary comprehensive bone health program, which would serve children with osteogenesis imperfecta, muscular dystrophy and other conditions that impact bone health.
After completing medical school and her residency at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. McMichael served as an orthopaedic surgeon in the U.S. Air Force in Korea. Later, she provided trauma care training to military personnel as an adjunct faculty at the Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. McMichael completed her pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellowship at Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California/UC Davis Medical Center.
It was during her fellowship at Shriners that Dr. McMichael became captivated by her young patients’ resilience.
“It was so invigorating to take care of someone who just wanted to play and get better,” she says. “It’s like kids are programmed to do well. That helps in their care and recovery.”
A fierce advocate for families, Dr. McMichael strongly believes in treating her patients and their parents exactly how she would want herself and her family to be treated.
“I like to take the time to listen to their questions,” she explains. “I know that if they’re at the clinic or hospital, they have probably taken time from work, school or other duties, and I want to show them that their time is valuable to me.”
This dedicated physician is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. She is a member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, among other professional organizations.
In her spare time, Dr. McMichael enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, camping, and any Disney-related activities.
To contact Dr. McMichael, please call 714-633-2111.
