Michael Chau, MD, PhD

Dr. Michael Chau is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and joint preservation for children, adolescents and young adults. He uses non-operative, traditional surgical and advanced arthroscopic techniques to treat cartilage, bone, ligament and tendon injuries affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee in athletes. He collaborates with primary care sports medicine physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers to support patients on their journeys back to normal lives and activities.

Chau has particular interests in cartilage and hip conditions, including osteochondritis dissecans (a disorder in which reduced blood flow and repetitive stress can cause separation of a segment of bone and cartilage), osteochondral lesions (injuries involving the interface between bone and cartilage) and cartilage wear from hip impingement or dysplasia (developmental problems causing the hip joint to fit together improperly, which creates friction or abnormal pressure).

Chau's research interests include improving the outcomes of arthroscopic and traditional joint preservation surgeries as well as understanding the basic science of growth plate and articular cartilage. He is dedicated to teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows.

Chau earned his medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine and doctoral degree in medical sciences, focusing on cartilage biology, from Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at University of Minnesota. He then completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, training at Scottish Rite for Children, followed by a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute.

Chau is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society, Arthroscopy Association of North America and American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Chau has served as team physician for Pepperdine University and various junior colleges and high schools in Los Angeles and Minneapolis-St. Paul. He was assistant team physician involved with medical and surgical care for the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Rams (NFL) and Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS). As an endurance athlete, he has completed multiple marathons and triathlons. In his free time, he enjoys sports, the great outdoors, travel, music and spending time with family and friends.