Vincent H. Key

Vincent H. Key serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he joined in 2003 after private practice in Independence, MO.

Education:

• Undergraduate: Kansas State University (track and field athlete specializing in long/triple jump)
• MD: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
• Residency: Orthopedic Surgery at Martin Luther King/Charles Drew Medical Center
• Fellowship: Sports Medicine at Wellington Orthopaedics/University of Cincinnati

Research Focus: Dr. Key investigates Vitamin D effects on overhead athletes, develops nanotechnology-based biocomposite plugs for articular cartilage defects, and pioneers new UCL tear reconstruction techniques. His clinical expertise spans complex knee procedures (including multi-ligament ACL/PCL/PLC reconstruction and cartilage restoration), advanced shoulder repairs (rotator cuff/labral), and elbow surgeries (UCL reconstruction/repair).

Professional Leadership: As Head Team Physician for the Kansas City Royals (2011-present), he guided the team through two World Series appearances (2014, 2015) including their 2015 championship. He served as President of the Major League Baseball Team Physician Association in 2022 and acts as regional consultant for all 30 MLB teams.

Honors:

• FAOA designation

Clinical Service: Dr. Key serves as Associate Team Physician for USA Track and Field (including international deployments to Costa Rica/Mexico), Medical Director for Missouri Valley Region USA Track and Field, and Orthopaedic Advisor for the Big 12 Basketball Tournament. He also provides care for Kansas City arena football teams and multiple collegiate/high school programs while mentoring through the ORR Society, Kaw Valley Medical Society, and KU Health System Minority Summer Medical Program.