Dean Wang

Dr. Dean Wang is an Associate Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, with joint appointments in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He serves as the Chief of the Sports Medicine Division at UCI and is the Head Team Orthopaedic Physician for UCI Athletics (Anteaters) and the Concordia Golden Eagles. Dr. Wang is a nationally recognized orthopaedic surgeon-scientist specializing in sports-related injuries of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow.

• Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering, Duke University (cum laude)
• Medical Degree: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University (Howard Hughes Medical Institute-NIH Research Scholar)
• Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, UCLA Medical Center
• Fellowship: Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
• Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Part I, 2016)

Dr. Wang’s research focuses on advancing the field of sports medicine through innovative clinical and laboratory investigations. His work centers on novel procedures for cartilage repair and restoration, the development and application of biologic therapies for cartilage, tendon, and ligament repair, and improving outcomes in knee ligament reconstruction and joint biomechanics. He has authored over 70 peer-reviewed manuscripts and textbook chapters, contributing significantly to the scientific understanding of joint preservation and regenerative techniques. His research has been recognized with numerous national grants and awards, reflecting its impact and innovation.

Although specific article titles are not listed in the provided text, Dr. Wang’s extensive publication record (>70 manuscripts) demonstrates a sustained and high-impact research program in the core areas of orthopaedic sports medicine, particularly biologic joint preservation and cartilage restoration. His work bridges clinical practice and scientific discovery, often translating laboratory findings into advanced surgical techniques.

Dr. Wang has received multiple prestigious scientific awards and grants, highlighting his excellence and leadership potential in the field:

• ICRS/Vericel – Lars Peterson Clinical Travelling Fellowship: Recognizing future leaders in cartilage regeneration.
• ASES Candidate Member: Elected to one of the premier orthopaedic societies for shoulder and elbow specialists.
• Multiple grants from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), AANA, AOSSM, and Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF).
• National awards for research excellence from Arthroscopy Journal and AOSSM.
• Honors from his training years including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute–NIH Research Scholars Program and a full scholarship from the Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Wang is an active clinician-scientist and educator. As Chief of Sports Medicine, he leads a division dedicated to patient care, research, and training. He mentors residents and fellows through the UCI residency and fellowship programs and has served as a team physician at both collegiate and professional levels, providing him with a deep understanding of athletic injuries. He has secured significant research funding from foundations like OREF and MTF, supporting his work on biologic therapies and cartilage restoration. His future work is likely to focus on refining regenerative techniques and advancing personalized treatment strategies for joint injuries.

Dr. Wang practices at two primary locations within the UCI Health system: the UCI Health - Irvine center at the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care and the UCI Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center in Costa Mesa. These facilities serve as the clinical base for his surgical practice and patient care.