George F. Hatch

George F. Hatch, MD is Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Director of the USC Orthopaedic Surgery Sports Medicine Fellowship, and serves as a team physician for the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, Galaxy, Angels, Anaheim Ducks, and USC intercollegiate athletes. His clinical practice is devoted to sports-related injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and knee, employing advanced arthroscopic and open techniques, including total shoulder replacement and complex fracture care.

Education & Training

• MD, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta
• Fellowship in Sports Medicine, Knee, Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Los Angeles
• Fellowship in Complex Shoulder Reconstruction, Harvard Medical School

Research Focus

Dr. Hatch’s research portfolio centers on shoulder instability, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, infected shoulder prosthesis management, outcomes after multiligament knee injuries, and the role of testosterone supplementation in orthopaedic rehabilitation. He has authored >44 peer-reviewed articles, 9 textbook chapters, and serves as principal investigator or co-investigator on numerous funded projects.

Scientific Awards & Honors

• USC Excellence in Professionalism Award (2018)
• Los Angeles Magazine Top Doctors & Super Doctor (multiple years)
• Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors (2015–2017)
• T. David Sisk Award for Best Original Research Paper, Sports Health (2015)
• Charles Neer Award Nominee, American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (2013)
• Pasadena Magazine Top Doctor (2011–2021)
• Robert Kelly Orthopaedic Society Best Paper Awards (2001, 2003)
• Alfred A. Davis Surgical Research Fellowship Award (1995–1997)
• AAAS Recognition Award for Research (1993)

Grants & Leadership

Dr. Hatch has served as Co-Investigator on the Sandy Kirkley Clinical Outcome Research Grant and participates in multi-center trials evaluating novel biologics and surgical devices. He directs the USC Sports Medicine Fellowship, mentoring fellows and residents in clinical care, biomechanical research, and patient-centered outcomes.

Laboratories & Teams

He leads the USC Sports Medicine Outcomes Research Group, a multidisciplinary team that includes biomechanical engineers, epidemiologists, and physical therapists focused on translating bench-top findings into evidence-based clinical protocols.