In the news
December 2025
Listen to Dr. Michael Karch on a Feature podcast on Device Nation.
October 2025
Dr. Karch gave a keynote at MIT in Cambridge, MA In his address, Dr. Karch spoke on the ethical and human-centric integration of artificial intelligence into modern healthcare, emphasizing that the future of medicine will depend on systems that elevate clinical judgment rather than replace it.
Following the address, Dr. Karch led the AI in Healthcare Think Tank Workshop, an interactive session featuring small-group breakouts and fireside strategy discussions. The workshop focused on identifying and designing “tech collisions” — points where patient owned data, robotics, agentic avatar health educators, and human expertise converge to create new value chains in digital health. To read the press release: sAIpien Sessions Recap — MIT Media Lab
Dr. Michael Karch, MD: Pioneering Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery at Mammoth Hospital
In the dynamic field of orthopedic surgery, groundbreaking technologies have ushered in an era of precision and improved outcomes for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement procedures. Over the past two decades, Mammoth Hospital's Total Joint Replacement Program has been at the forefront of innovation, introducing cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art implants, all aimed at enhancing patient care. Now, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Michael Karch, MD, FAAOS, is poised to elevate joint replacement surgery to new heights by introducing the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution at Mammoth Hospital.
In this article, we'll delve into the world of robotic-assisted surgery and explore how it's setting new standards for patients seeking enhanced mobility and a better quality of life in the Eastern Sierra region.
The Cutting-Edge Technology: VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution
The Depuy VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution represents the pinnacle of technology in the field of joint replacement surgery. Designed to work seamlessly with the ATTUNE™ Knee System, this state-of-the-art system equips surgical teams with real-time data and precision tools, revolutionizing the way joint replacement surgeries are performed.
Precision at Its Finest
Robotic-assisted procedures offer a level of precision that was once unimaginable with traditional methods. The VELYS solution empowers surgeons like Dr. Karch to precisely remove damaged bone, align joints, and achieve the perfect fit for implants. Using an infrared camera and optical trackers, the VELYS system gathers crucial patient-specific anatomical data, ensuring unparalleled precision throughout the surgical process.
Improved Outcomes, Shorter Recovery
The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery extend beyond precision alone. Patients who undergo joint replacement procedures with the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution often enjoy a better-balanced, higher-functioning joint, shorter recovery times, and improved overall outcomes. By achieving optimal joint alignment and soft tissue balance around the knee or hip, patients experience a more natural and functional joint, leading to enhanced mobility and a quicker return to their active lives.
Consistency and Reduced Pain
Robotic-assisted surgery provides surgeons with a level of control and consistency that traditional methods may lack. Dr. Karch and his team can achieve more consistent outcomes, reducing the likelihood of post-operative complications. Additionally, patients often report reduced pain compared to traditional approaches, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient recovery.
A Pathway to a Better Quality of Life
The VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution opens doors to new possibilities, offering patients the potential for greater range of motion, improved functionality, and a faster return to their daily routines. With advanced techniques and personalized surgical planning, this innovative technology sets the stage for an improved quality of life for those in need of joint replacement surgery.
Thanks to these advancements in robotic-assisted procedures, patients from the entire Eastern Sierra corridor, and even from Los Angeles to San Francisco, now have access to cutting-edge technology that enhances the precision, efficiency, athletic balance, and overall outcomes of joint replacement surgeries. Dr. Michael Karch, MD, FAAOS, is leading the charge at Mammoth Hospital, using the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution to transform the lives of patients in need of knee and hip replacements. With robotic-assisted surgery paving the way for unprecedented precision, the future of joint replacement surgery outcomes at Mammoth Hospital has never been brighter.
Dr. Michael Karch and the introduction of the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution at Mammoth Hospital represent a remarkable stride forward in the realm of joint replacement surgery. With this state-of-the-art technology, patients can look forward to a future of enhanced mobility, shorter recovery times, and an overall improved quality of life. Robotic-assisted surgery is not just a game-changer; it's a life-changer.
May 2023
Dr. Gilmer was the first surgeon in northern Nevada to perform a BEAR implant repair and was featured on the local news.
March 2023
I broke my left shoulder mid January this year at June during the “big dump”. Last run of the day of course. Broke humeral head off shaft. Dr. Gilmer fixed me up that night. Great reduction and placement of plate and screws. Made the ride back to LA next day a lot easier knowing I had great hands taking care of my fracture. Living in physical therapy land now slowly getting back to full range of motion. My follow up, post op surgeon here in Los Angeles even said when first saw X-ray that Dr. Gilmer did an excellent job. Thank you Dr. Gilmer for making an otherwise bad situation the best it could be. Also, the staff at Mammoth Hospital were amazing. Lucky to have you and the rest of your colleagues and staff to take great care of hacks like me!
Los Angeles, CA
We’re so thankful for all Dr. Gilmer and his team has done for our daughter!
We’re so thankful for all Dr. Gilmer and his team has done for our daughter! After having surgery on both knees, she is back on the court competing at the high school level!
Ridgecrest, Ca
February 2023
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute Fellowship Interviews:
We interviewed 20 highly qualified Orthopedic PGY4 Residents from around the US for the Fellowship 2024/25 Academic Year. Humbled by their accomplishments and motivation to serve.
Every single one of them was spectacular in their own way. It's going to be a very hard decision to pick the one that fits our community the best. So much to teach them but even more to learn from them.
Non sibi- "Not for yourself but for the service of others.
We appreciate the time and commitment from these residents to make the trek to Mammoth and our interview team for a fantastic two days!
January 2023
Congratulations to Drs. Gilmer, Crall, Lakehomer, O'Neil, Mitchell Parker and Sarah Lang for their recent publication in Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Harvest of All-Soft Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With or Without Closure of Resulting Defect Has No Effect on Patellar Height.
The article can be read here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666061X22001778
December 2022
Dr. Karch travelled to Lillehammer Norway to provide medical coverage for the US Ski and Snowboard Team at the Nordic Combined World Cup.
November 2022
Congratulations to Dr. Gilmer, Dr. Ohliger III, Dr. Haus, Dr. Wahl, medical student Rodney Fong and Sarah Lang for their recent publication in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. Modified Bosworth Technique for Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Knee Using Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft You can review the article here: https://www.arthroscopytechniques.org/article/S2212-6287(22)00178-5/fulltext
October 2022
Dr. Gilmer spent an afternoon at a Montessori school in Nevada teaching the young students about human and animal bones. The response was fantastic as you can see with the thank you cards from the kindergartner students.
September 2022
Congratulations to Dr. Gilmer and his research team for their recent publication in Arthroscopy Techniques. Modified Bosworth Technique for Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Knee Using Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft can be read here. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628722001785
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a major contributor to knee joint stability and is the most common ligament involved in knee injuries. When conservative management for high-grade MCL injuries fails, operative treatment is indicated. Various reconstruction techniques are described in the literature. The following report describes a reconstruction technique based on the modified Bosworth. We present a step-by-step technique for using autograft semitendinosus tendon as a double limb to reconstruct the MCL and if necessary, the posterior oblique ligament. The technique is versatile with respect to a spectrum of MCL injury patterns, isometric, incorporates techniques that are common to other knee reconstructions, and uses readily available autograft. It has been used extensively by the senior authors as an adjunct/augmentation to the repair of acute MCL injuries as well as in the reconstruction of chronic MCL laxity. The technique restores stability to rotation and valgus stress while maintaining the distal insertion of the semitendinosus intact.
August 2022
Karly Dawson, PA-C taught a 3 hour lecture to PA students at Touro University. The lecture was about evaluation and management of upper extremity conditions (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand).
Congratulations to Dr. Gilmer and Allison Stenger for their recent publication. Editorial Commentary: Recovery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Optimal About 85% of the Time.
Abstract
Recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is optimal about 85% of the time. Revision surgery, psychiatric history, preoperative chronic knee pain, and subsequent knee injury are associated with suboptimal recovery patterns. Sophisticated growth models can analyze patient recovery trajectories. Growth mixture models (GMM) treat a whole cohort as a single group and characterize that group over time, for example, over the course of knee injury and subsequent recovery after surgical reconstruction. Latent class growth analysis is a subcategory of GMM that sorts the cohort into subgroups and allows analysis regarding groups having, for example, standard, delayed, and suboptimal recoveries. This theoretically allows a physician to anticipate which patients are likely to follow a suboptimal trajectory of recovery, to track that recovery based on the model, and to form a treatment plan accordingly.
The Editorial Commentary can be read here
You can now communicate with our staff via text!
You can now communicate with our staff via text! For appointment request, medication refill request, or anything that can be done with with quick communication, please feel free to text us. To reach the Mammoth clinic, text 760-924-4084. To reach the Bishop clinic, text 760-872-7766.
July 2022
Congratulations to Dr. Haus, Dr. Gilmer, Sarah Lang and medical student Zoe Anderson on their recent publication. Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation Of Posterior Femoral Condyle Lesions Utilizing An Open Posterior Approach To The Knee
Abstract
Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a viable option for large chondral defects >2 cm squared, as well as in a revision setting after failure of a previous surface chondral restoration procedure. Osteochondral lesions involving the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle, however, are less common and easily underappreciated. Treatment of posterior osteochondral lesions is more technically demanding because they cannot be adequately addressed through standard arthroscopic approaches or an anterior arthrotomy. The challenges of the posterior approach include the relative unfamiliarity for many surgeons and the inherent risks due to the proximity of the neurovascular structures. The following technique reviews relevant anatomy and approach to osteochondral allograft transplant involving the posterior femoral condyles.
June 2022
The 7th annual Mammoth Sports Course has come to a close. We would like to thank our sponsors, Mammoth Hospital, Mammoth Mountain, EvoSurgical, Arthrex, and PacMed, we appreciate the continued support over the years.
Thank you for spending the last couple days with us in our majestic mountain town! We hope the intimate setting, candid discussion and witty banter will bring you back in the future.
Congratulations to Dr. Gilmer for bringing the Wegger's trophy back to Mammoth!
ACL injuries can be tough and usually require surgery.
ACL injuries can be tough and usually require surgery. A new technology at Mammoth Orthopedic Institute and Mammoth Hospital provides patients with an option other than ACL reconstruction. The BEAR® Implant facilitates healing of the torn ACL and does not require a second surgical wound site to remove a healthy tendon from another part of the leg.
Zack Smitheman, MS, ATC, CSCS, OTC is offering 1:1 physical performance coaching through the Bridge Program and Elevate Mammoth.
Zack Smitheman, MS, ATC, CSCS, OTC is offering 1:1 physical performance coaching through the Bridge Program and Elevate Mammoth. The Bridge Program is for post-rehabilitation individuals seeking professional guidance and coaching to enhance physical performance for return to sport or activity.
If you find you are in need of just a bit more to get you back to your sport, please click here for more information.
May 2022
Dr. Crall presented "The practice of orthopedic surgery in a remote mountain environment" at Cedars-Sinai Grand Rounds.
Dr. Gilmer spent the morning at the Arthrex surgical lab in Sacramento with fellows Dr. James Ohliger and Dr. Andy Haus to hone their surgical skills.
Dr. Gilmer spent the morning at the Arthrex surgical lab in Sacramento with fellows Dr. James Ohliger and Dr. Andy Haus to hone their surgical skills. Dr. Gilmer specializes in complex knees and enjoyed the day teaching in the lab. They worked on complex knee reconstruction including osteotomy, meniscal allograft transplant and centralization with the Arthrex surgical reps.
Thank you Arthrex for use of the lab.
Being an athletic trainer in a mountain town is pretty darn awesome!
Being an athletic trainer in a mountain town is pretty darn awesome! Parker McKinney, ATC provided coverage for the "Gold Camp" for the US Ski and Snowboard team this week. The camp is held in Mammoth Lakes, CA each Spring.
April 2022
Check out of video from our Foot and Ankle team. Dr. Knecht and Chelsea Brown, PA-C see patients in Mammoth on Tuesdays and Bishop on Wednesdays. Contact us for all your foot care needs!
Innovation at Mammoth Hospital
Innovation at Mammoth Hospital
Dr. Gilmer spent time in the lab working with the needle arthroscopy. He has been using the needle arthroscope on our knee patients when warranted for the last couple years. Our patients who undergo surgery with needle arthroscopy typically require no use of crutches, walks out of surgery with adhesive bandages without sutures resulting in a faster recovery and less pain.
March 2022
Congratulations Diane Low! We heard from Diane, medical student, on Match Day. This is her email, "Just wanted to update you. I got my #1 choice!!! Wellspan in York, PA for orthopedic surgery! Thank you so much for allowing me to rotate at Mammoth!!!
Dr. Gilmer recently participated in an interview about his journey from medical school to residency to clinical practice.
Dr. Gilmer recently participated in an interview about his journey from medical school to residency to clinical practice. You can listen to the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/specialty-stories/id1171842065?i=1000553419134
The podcast Specialty Stories, interviews specialists in different clinical settings, urban and rural, community and academic, to give you the best idea possible of what the future career might look like.
Congratulations to Zoe Anderson, BS for her poster presentation at Renown Health and UNR Med Research Open House.
Congratulations to Zoe Anderson, BS for her poster presentation at Renown Health and UNR Med Research Open House.
Zoe is a first year medical student at University of Nevada, Reno and has done a fantastic job with our research team.
Click here to view Poster Presentation.
Providing Health Care Everywhere
Providing Health Care Everywhere
ATs provide health care everywhere.
National Athletic Training Month is held every March in order to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers.
Thank you to our athletic trainers for the dedication and support over the years. Our athletic trainers support our clinics in Mammoth and Bishop, provide coverage at Bishop Union High School Athletics, Mammoth High School Athletics, and Mammoth Mountain Ski and Snowboard Team!
Huge shoot out to our athletic training team at Mammoth Hospital Mike McMahon, Sarah Lang, Zack Smitheman, Parker McKinney, and Gage Ramirez!
February 2022
Our joint replacement class is now offered in a two-part virtual format.
Joint replacement surgery may offer an opportunity to relieve pain and regain motion to re-engage in the activities and lifestyle you love. Check out the link below to learn more about your options from the Mammoth Orthopedic Institute and how our Joint Replacement Preparation Class provides pre-operative education to help you prepare your body, mind, environment, and support team to help you have the most successful outcomes and experience.
Thank you team for making this seamless for our patients!
January 2022
Check out these views from athletic trainer, Zack Smitheman.
In December, Zack provided coverage for the US Grand Prix and the Dew Tour at Copper Mountain in Frisco, CO and in January, the US Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain with the US Snowboarding Halfpipe team.
Congratulations to Dr. Gilmer for being named one of the top reviewers for Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® for 2021!
Congratulations to Dr. Gilmer for being named one of the top reviewers for Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® for 2021!
Reviewers on this list completed four or more reviews between September 2020 and August 2021 and had an average review score in the "excellent" range. This is a special group; only about 7% of the reviewers who contributed this year can claim this achievement. He is acknowledged in the December issue of CORR acknowledges your contribution by listing you on the top reviewer list.
