June 2025 Edition — COA BulletinHonouring Legacy
Celebrating the history and evolution of programs, procedures, and pioneers. Reflect on the contributions that laid the foundation for today’s orthopaedic excellence.
Celebrating 40 Years of Orthopaedics at UBC
Interview with Dr. Kishore Mulpuri, Chair of UBC’s Department of Orthopaedics
Dana Miller
Manager, Communications
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
Dr. Kishore Mulpuri offered a comprehensive reflection on the history, growth, and global impact of the UBC Department of Orthopaedics. Established as a standalone department in 1984—one of the few in Canada with this structure—UBC Orthopaedics has built a legacy of innovation, leadership, and excellence in orthopaedic education and care. Under leaders such as Drs. Patterson, Morton, McGraw, Duncan, Masri, and now Mulpuri, the department has not only shaped orthopaedic surgery in British Columbia but has also played a major role in the national landscape, with many past and current faculty serving as presidents and leaders within the Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA).
UBC Orthopaedics has made substantial contributions to the broader field through its clinical, research, and educational achievements. Its divisions have led major advancements—from arthroplasty research on periprosthetic fractures and infections, to groundbreaking work in pediatric orthopaedics through surveillance programs that nearly eliminate hip dislocations in children with cerebral palsy. The trauma, spine, sports, and foot and ankle divisions have likewise garnered international recognition. A hallmark of the department is its commitment to equity and diversity, with a long-standing tradition of supporting women in orthopaedic training and welcoming fellows from across the globe. Dr. Mulpuri emphasized that UBC’s approach to global health is rooted in mutual learning and co-creation—not simply “giving back” but building together.
On the research front, UBC is home to extensive registry-based studies and collaborative platforms that span multiple orthopaedic subspecialties. Partnerships with centers such as the Centre for Aging SMART and ICORD (Spinal Cord Injury Research) underscore the department’s interdisciplinary reach and commitment to innovation. These collaborations integrate basic science, engineering, and clinical expertise, making UBC a leader in data-driven orthopaedic research. This extends to the department’s vision for the future: becoming a global leader in orthopaedic data and AI, and creating solutions relevant not just to elite institutions but to 80% of the world’s population.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) are foundational to UBC Orthopaedics. The department has formalized its commitment through an office for Respect, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (REDIA), and strives to serve marginalized and underserved communities. This philosophy is embedded in its approach to clinical care, research, and education. In mentorship, UBC promotes a flat, inclusive model that prioritizes mutual learning and shared identity over hierarchy. The new mentorship and wellness program reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to supporting the professional and personal development of its trainees.
Looking ahead, Dr. Mulpuri envisions UBC Orthopaedics as an “infinite department”—one built on culture, purpose, and shared values rather than finite goals or titles. He stresses the importance of local impact first, with global scalability in mind, and believes that true success is measured by significance and relevance, not just academic metrics. His leadership philosophy centers on building inclusive teams, flattening hierarchies, and nurturing a culture of engagement and collaboration.
Closing the interview, Dr. Mulpuri shared advice for aspiring surgeons: set ambitious goals, prioritize family, and pursue passion with humility and perspective. He also credited the COA as instrumental in his own growth—both personally and professionally—and urged others to engage with the Association. For Dr. Mulpuri, the legacy he hopes to leave is one of engagement, inclusion, and relevance—a department stronger together, built on shared purpose and driven by a global-local vision.
History of Orthopaedics in British Columbia
In two editions of the COA Bulletin in 2017, Dr. Robert G. McGraw, former COA President and Chair of UBC’s Department of Orthopaedics, contributed a short series of articles detailing the early development of the specialty in British Columbia. We invite you to take a look at these incredible legacy documents to learn more about some of the early pioneers of orthopaedics in Canada.
Dr. Robert McGraw