Daniel A. Oakes, M.D., has been named Director of the USC Joint Replacement Program and Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, effective March 1, 2010.

A nationally recognized joint replacement specialist, Oakes will direct the development of the USC Joint Replacement Center at USC University Hospital with the goal of establishing USC as a regional center of excellence for hip and knee joint replacement surgery.

"Dr. Oakes is a stellar new addition to our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery," said Carmen A. Puliafito, M.D., M.B.A. "His goals of increasing mobility for arthritis patients and managing pain for joint replacement patients dovetail with the needs of our aging population. By embracing technology and working collaboratively with clinical and research programs here at the Keck School, Dr. Oakes will help more and more of our patients maintain active lifestyles well into later life."

Oakes comes to USC from UCLA, where he served as Chief of the UCLA Joint Replacement Service and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery since 2006. There, he developed a thriving joint replacement division and was a leader in resident education. Oakes was previously a member of the Keck School faculty from 2004 to 2006.

"USC has a history of strong leadership in joint replacement surgery, and we have a tremendous opportunity to develop a world-class program," said Oakes. "With the new leadership at the hospital, there's a renewed commitment to excellence, and the pride in USC has become evident. It's an exciting place, and I'm happy to be back in the Trojan Family."

On April 1, 2009, USC closed a historic deal to purchase the 411-bed USC University Hospital and 60-bed USC Norris Cancer Hospital from Tenet Healthcare Corp.

At the Keck School, Oakes will continue research on hip surface replacement procedures as an alternative joint replacement option for younger, more active patients. His plans also include collaborating with the Department of Anesthesia to improve perioperative pain management protocols associated with joint replacement surgeries to help patients regain their mobility and restore their active lifestyles as quickly as possible.

Oakes will also focus on developing the role of emerging computer assisted navigation technologies for hip and knee joint replacement procedures, continuing research on improving longevity of hip and knee implant technologies and the prevention and treatment of infected joint replacements. He will also collaborate with USC's existing research program on stem cells to determine if a clinical application for the treatment of hip osteonecrosis can be developed.

Oakes also plans to study long-term clinical outcomes of emerging technologies in hip resurfacing, primary and revision total knee arthroplasty, and primary and revision total hip arthroplasty. Oakes has extensive experience with revision procedures using porous metal technology and will continue his research at USC. Oakes has a strong background in resident and fellowship training, which he will continue as a member of the Keck faculty.

Oakes' accomplishments include winning the Mark B. Coventry Adult Reconstruction Fellowship award from the Mayo Clinic. Oakes is the current President of the Los Angeles chapter of the Western Orthopaedic Association. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Oakes earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Harvard University, graduating cum laude, and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed his internship in general surgery and residency in orthopaedic surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Oakes served on a resident research fellowship at UCLA Medical Center and an adult reconstruction fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.