Michael Karch, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon | Innovator | AI & Ethics Thought Leader
Specialties
Orthopedic Surgery
Areas of Interest
Dr. Karch specializes in orthopaedic trauma, AO philosophy. His skillset includes complex peri-articular trauma, joint replacement surgery including anterior total hip replacement, total knee replacement, advanced arthroscopic techniques for the knee, as well as general orthopedics, hand, foot and ankle.
Board Certification
American Board of Medical Specialties of Orthopedic Surgery
Education
Georgetown University School of Medicine, Goergetown, Washington D.C. - M.D. Doctor of Medicine
University of Delaware College of Arts and Sciences, Newark Delaware - B.A.
Medical Training
Loma Linda University Community Medical Center, Loma Linda, California - Internship
Georgetown University School of Medicine, Georgetown, Washington D.C. - Residency
Taos Orthopedic Institute. Taos, New Mexico - Fellowship
Biography
Dr. Michael Karch is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in robotic and computer-navigated hip and knee replacement. He is the co-founder of the Mammoth Orthopedic Institute in California, where he also serves as faculty for the orthopedic fellowship program. He holds an academic appointment as Adjunct Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Georgetown University.
A medical innovator and entrepreneur, Dr. Karch holds multiple patents and is the co-inventor of the Smart Drill and SteriTools technologies. He is currently completing advanced studies through the Harvard Business School Analytics Program, Harvard Medical School, and MIT, focusing on machine learning and the future of intelligent, responsible healthcare systems.
Dr. Karch is the author of The Paradox of Progress: The Roses and Thorns of Artificial Intelligence, a globally informed exploration of technology ethics. His research, writing and publications focus on the convergence of Artificial Intelligence, surgical innovation, human ethics, and business strategy advocating for globally responsible design in digital health.
He was one of the first physicians on-site at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and has since led forward surgical teams in conflict zones and disaster areas around the world. As co-founder of the non-profit Mammoth Medical Missions, he has deployed medical teams to underserved regions across the globe. His humanitarian work has been recognized by U.S. Presidents, the United Nations, and multiple foreign governments.
A lifelong endurance athlete, Dr. Karch has completed 57 marathons, a solo, unsupported multi-day ultra run - across the John Muir Trail and is a two-time finisher of the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon across Death Valley, often regarded as the toughest human endurance footrace on earth.
He lives in Mammoth Lakes, California, with his wife Kim and their three adult children.
Teaching or Professional Positions
Team Physician
Gold and Silver Medal winning United States Nordic Combined Ski Team; Vancouver, Canada 2010.
Team Physician
Team Running USA Silver and Bronze medals Men's and Women's Marathon Athens, Greece 2004. Team Physician for the United States Ski Team since 2002.
Founder: Mass Casualty/Disaster Preparedness Training
Unique approach to Mass Casualty Training involving the use of human cadavers for the entire Surgical and Emergency Room teams as well as EMS/Fire.
Medical Director: Mammoth Mountain Teams
Coordination and oversight of all snow discipline athletes on Mammoth Mountain, USA; 3rd largest ski area in North America. (Alpine, Downhill, Alpine GS and Slalom, Nordic, Snowboard, Biathlon, Freeride, Ski-cross, Boarder-cross.)
Medical Director: Mammoth Ski Patrol
Coordination, instuction, and oversight of on Mammoth Mountain amd backcountry mountain rescue operations.
Chairman: Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Mammoth Hospital, Mammoth Lakes, California
Founder: Mammoth Winter Biathlon
North America's largest winter Biathlon combining cross country ski racing and marksmanship.
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Visiting Clinical Instructor Orthopaedic Surgery: Moraa University School of Medicine. Kabul, Afghanistan.
Professional Memberships
Associate Clinical Professor Orthopaedic Surgery – University of Nevada. 2005-present
Mass Casualty Instruction – Director/Instructor – Annual Course
Mass Casualty Advanced Training – AAOS/Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons
Mass Casualty On Call – AAOS on Call Domestic/Foreign Disaster Surge Team
AO Co- Director – AO Trauma Fellowship. Mammoth Lakes, CA A
O Faculty – AO Operating Room Personnel Course – San Francisco, CA. 2008
AO Faculty – AO Operating Room Personnel Course. Mammoth Lakes, CA 2003- Present
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society – Georgetown University School of Medicine
Honors and Awards
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society – Georgetown University School of Medicine
“String of Pearls” Resident Teaching Award – Georgetown 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
“Mother of Pearl” Resident Teaching Award - Georgetown 1999, 2000, 2001
Hugh Huffy Surgical Resident Teaching Award - Georgetown 1997
Bridget Foster MacNamara Graduating Senior Award in Anesthesia - Georgetown 1995
