Douglas Orndorff, MD, has joined the Duke Spine Division as an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Orndorff earned his MD from the University of Colorado, an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the University of Virginia, and a specialized Spine Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin. As a Board-Certified orthopaedic and spine surgeon, his affiliations include memberships in the North American Spine Society, Lumbar Spine Research Society, and Cervical Spine Research Society.
Welcome, Dr. Orndorff!
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Q&A with Dr. Orndorff
Q: What brings you joy?
A: My close friends and family, including my wife of over 20 years and our three children, bring me great joy. Watching my children thrive and grow into their unique selves is one of the great pleasures of my life. I'm an avid skier, fisherman, and golfer, and getting outside in nature is essential. Professionally, I chose spine surgery because it was demanding and has the potential for outstanding innovation and patient benefit. Nothing is more rewarding than helping patients become pain-free and return to their lives.
Q: What excites you about this role at Duke?
A: I have had 15 years of private practice and am very excited to come to Duke to treat patients and share my experience and knowledge with medical students, residents, and fellows. Teaching is something I've missed greatly.
Q: Your hometown – where are you from?
A: I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and have spent my professional career in Durango, Colorado, serving the Four Corners area and the Southwest.
Q: Where do you see your area of orthopaedics going within the next five to ten years?
A: Significant advances will be made in navigation/radiation reduction technologies. Robotic-assisted spine surgery will become increasingly influential. The technology will improve patient outcomes, faster recovery, and decrease costs.