Charles D. Rosen

Charles D. Rosen, M.D. is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where he practices and teaches spinal surgery. He is also actively involved in medical ethics, serving as President of the Association for Medical Ethics, an organization he co-founded to combat industry influence in medicine.

His research spans spinal biomechanics, surgical outcomes, and ethical challenges in orthopaedics. Dr. Rosen has published extensively on artificial disc replacement failures, spinal fusion, and the ethical implications of physician-industry relationships.

His recent publications reflect a dual focus: advancing the biomechanical understanding of spinal motion and advocating for ethical transparency in medical practice. Articles from 2010–2018 emphasize informed consent, conflicts of interest, and complications of spinal procedures such as rhBMP-2 use and heterotopic ossification.

• U.S. Surgeon General short list for nomination by Obama administration in December 2008
• Albert M. Betcher Scholarship Award for Fellowship Study in Orthopaedic Surgery
• Robert Hamburger Memorial Thesis Award - Runner-up for Senior Medical School Thesis
• Gold Medal in Figure Skating (Ice Dancing)

Dr. Rosen has advised on ethical policy and testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. He mentors medical students and residents at UCI and volunteers weekly at the Long Beach VA. His work integrates clinical excellence with a strong commitment to patient safety and ethical integrity.

He is associated with research teams focusing on spinal biomechanics and outcomes, and leads initiatives through the Association for Medical Ethics to promote unbiased research and education in spine care.