Hao-Hua Wu

Dr. Hao-Hua Wu is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery at UCI Health, affiliated with the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. He holds a prominent role in clinical care, research, and medical education, focusing on cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorders using both non-surgical and advanced surgical techniques including minimally invasive and robotic spine procedures.

• University: University of California, Irvine
• School: School of Medicine
• Department: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Wu's research spans multiple domains with a strong emphasis on improving patient outcomes. His work in spine surgery includes innovations in minimally invasive techniques, robotic assistance, and motion-sparing procedures. He is deeply committed to medical education, having pioneered the augmented reality-based Gunner Goggles series and delivering international lectures on leadership. His scholarship extends into global health, where he fosters academic partnerships with surgeons in Malawi and Tanzania to strengthen orthopaedic capacity in low-resource settings.

The body of Dr. Wu’s recent publications reflects a multidisciplinary approach, blending clinical orthopaedics with educational technology, leadership development, and global outreach. His work frequently appears in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and Spine Deformity, with recurring themes in patient-reported outcomes, value-based care, and innovative surgical training methods. The integration of augmented reality and emotional intelligence into medical education underscores his forward-thinking perspective.

Dr. Wu has received numerous scientific and academic honors, including:

• President Gutmann Leadership Award
• Petrus Camper Award
• Max Kade Fellowship
• James O. Johnston Resident Research Award
• North American Spine Society Value Abstract Award

As an educator and mentor, Dr. Wu actively contributes to residency training and medical student development. He serves as a faculty member for Elsevier’s Clinical Key Global Challenge, delivering lectures worldwide on leadership topics such as conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. His current projects include publishing a book on leadership for medical students and expanding global spine surgery initiatives. He leads research efforts in patient outcomes and is involved in academic teams focused on surgical innovation and educational technology.