Dr. Hamed Yazdanshenas is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Departments of Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and Family Medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), while also holding an Associate Professor appointment in the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery (Division of Spine Disorders) and Family Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He currently serves as Vice-Chair and Director of Research for the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Surgery at CDU, spearheading innovative research and advancing academic programs in surgical care and clinical research.
Recognized as the “Best US Young Investigator” by the Western Orthopaedic Association, Dr. Yazdanshenas has published extensively on advanced surgical techniques, orthopedic innovations, spine disorders, and sports medicine. His academic training includes an extensive the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported training in translational and clinical science and advanced fellowship training in surgical leadership at Harvard Medical School.
With over 15 years of experience in clinical practice and research, Dr. Yazdanshenas has led successful projects funded by top-tier organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the National Institute on Aging (NIA). His exceptional contributions have earned him several prestigious national awards, including the APHA Aging & Public Health Section Award, the Young Investigator Award from the Western Orthopedic Association, and recognition for top-quality projects from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Dr. Yazdanshenas’s academic leadership extends to collaborative partnerships with leading institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, and international organizations, including the National Health Service (NHS) and European academic networks. He is dedicated to building sustainable research infrastructures and establishing institutional programs that foster surgical innovation and excellence.
As a passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Yazdanshenas has mentored more than 100 trainees, including medical students, residents, and junior faculty from CDU, UCLA, and other academic institutions. His mentorship has supported the publication of impactful research, the securing of competitive grants, and the development of successful academic careers.
Dr. Yazdanshenas serves on editorial boards of leading medical journals and regularly participates in international conferences and research panels, contributing to the global advancement of surgical research and healthcare policy.
Driven by a deep commitment to healthcare equity, Dr. Yazdanshenas focuses on reducing surgical health disparities in underserved communities through community-based research, mentorship, and innovative care models. His professional vision centers on blending education, research, and equity to improve surgical care and patient outcomes, particularly among underrepresented populations.
Dr. Yazdanshenas exemplifies academic leadership, research excellence, and a steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation, mentorship, and advocacy.