About
David Margolis, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the College of Medicine – Tucson, University of Arizona, with joint appointments in Physiology and Biomedical Engineering. He is a physician-scientist and active orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist surgery at Banner – University Medical Center.
His educational background includes a bachelor’s in chemistry, master’s and PhD in physiological sciences, medical degree, and orthopaedic surgery residency—all completed at the University of Arizona—followed by a hand surgery fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
- Assistant Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
- Assistant Professor, Physiology
- Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering
- Faculty Director, Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)
- Director, Biomaterials Lab
- Member, Hand Research Laboratory
Dr. Margolis's research centers on translational innovations in bone healing, biomechanics, tissue engineering, and implantable sensor development. His work bridges clinical needs with engineering solutions, focusing on novel biomaterials and regenerative technologies. He leads a highly collaborative research program that integrates engineering, physiology, and orthopaedics.
Although specific publications are not listed, his research portfolio indicates strong activity in biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine, and clinical orthopaedics, with emphasis on sensor-integrated biomaterials and musculoskeletal repair.
Dr. Margolis has served as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator on multiple competitive grants, including R21 and R01 awards from the National Institutes of Health and funding from the Department of Defense. He has also secured grants from the Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities (WAESO), supporting mentorship for over 20 students. His leadership extends to institutional research development through roles in the Additive Manufacturing Initiative, Undergraduate Research Task Force, Medical Student Research Program, and the Dean’s Research Council.
He launched the Orthopaedic Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory as a Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) team in 2023 and was promoted to Faculty Director of VIP in 2024, overseeing faculty and student engagement, research productivity, and inclusive excellence across the program.
