Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai has appointed David Skaggs, MD, co-director of its spine center, director of the pediatrics program and executive vice chair of the department of orthopedics.
"His leadership, clinical expertise and dedication to research, innovation and education will enable us to improve treatment options for a range of spinal disorders and pediatric orthopaedic conditions," Mark Vrahas, MD, chair of Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics, said in a March 19 news release.
Prior to joining Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Skaggs was chief of orthopedic surgery and director of spine surgery at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Elaine Butterworth, RN, was appointed director of patient experience and education for Cedars-Sinai's pediatric spine program. Ms. Butterworth also joins from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she worked for 13 years.
"Together, nurse Butterworth and I have helped many of the country's top gymnasts and competitive cheerleaders return to sports after otherwise career-ending spine injuries," Dr. Skaggs said. "Now, our patients will benefit even more from the most advanced robotic surgery, intraoperative, 3D imaging and an experienced minimally invasive surgical team."
Dr. Skaggs is a diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a tenured professor at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles.
He also has a master's degree in medical management from the USC Marshall School of Business.