Asif Ilyas

Asif Ilyas, MD, MBA, FACS, serves as Associate Dean of Clinical Research at Drexel University College of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatrics. He holds roles as Academic Vice Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at Jefferson University and surgeon at the Rothman Institute. His clinical expertise spans hand surgery, upper extremity trauma, and orthopedic surgery for the Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers.

Education:

• BS in Biology, Wilkes University (1997)
• MD, Drexel University College of Medicine (2001)
• MBA, Brown University (2020)

Research Focus: His research addresses opioid crisis mitigation, medical cannabis efficacy in pain management, surgical pain management innovations, and hand/upper extremity trauma. He has authored/co-authored over 200 publications and 20 book chapters, with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Rothman Opioid Foundation.

Awards and Recognition:

• 2025: Orthopedic Surgery Research All-Star
• 2024: Distinguished Service Award, Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society
• 2021: Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society Best Paper Award
• 2020: Orthopedics Blue Ribbon Awards

Leadership and Service: President of the Rothman Opioid Foundation, past president of the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, and editorial board member of Journal of Hand & Microsurgery. He mentors Drexel medical students and emphasizes clinical research expansion across regional campuses.

Clinical Affiliations: Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital.