Matthew T. Houdek

Matthew T. Houdek, M.D. serves as Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, holding dual appointments in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery (Division of Orthopedic Oncology) and Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. As Fellowship Director for Musculoskeletal Oncology, he leads specialized training while maintaining active clinical practice treating both pediatric and adult sarcoma patients.

His educational background includes:

• MD from University of Arizona College of Medicine (2011)
• MS in Orthopedic Surgery from Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (2016)
• Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Mayo Clinic (2016)
• Musculoskeletal Oncology Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital/University of Toronto (2017)

Dr. Houdek's research focuses on improving sarcoma outcomes through innovative approaches to reconstruction and regenerative medicine. His work addresses critical challenges in upper extremity sarcoma management, radiation-induced bone complications, and pediatric-adult transition care. Key research themes include exosome-based bone regeneration to prevent radiation fractures, tendon regeneration techniques, and comparative effectiveness of reconstruction methods following complex tumor resections.

His scientific contributions have been recognized through numerous awards including multiple Best Clinical Paper honors from international societies, the Patrick J. Kelly Research Award, and Teacher of the Year distinction. Dr. Houdek maintains active roles in major professional societies including Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and Connective Tissue Oncology Society, where he chairs committees advancing the field.

As an educator, he mentors graduate students through thesis committees and directs fellowship training while contributing to national orthopedic education as Chair of the AAOS Instructional Course Lecture Committee. His clinical expertise spans the full spectrum of bone and soft tissue sarcomas with particular focus on extremity and pelvic tumors requiring complex reconstruction.