Orthopedic Surgeon Joins Cedars-Sinai in Multiple Leadership Roles

David L. Skaggs, M.D., MMM, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric orthopedics and spine, has joined Los Angeles, California-based Cedars-Sinai as co-director of the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center, director of the Pediatric Orthopaedics Program, and executive vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedics.

Dr. Skaggs joins Cedars-Sinai from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where he most recently served as chief of orthopedic surgery and director of spine surgery. He focuses on the treatment of children with spinal deformities and has established methods to treat children with scoliosis and kyphosis.

While discussing his decision to join Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Skaggs told OTW, “The Cedars-Sinai Spine Center of Excellence is well known for clinical volume and cutting edge innovation. Leading the Cedars Spine Center of Excellence is an unparalleled opportunity to help build one of the nation’s absolute top spine programs.”

A graduate of Amherst College, Dr. Skaggs received his medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. After completing his residency at New York Presbyterian-Columbia Medical Center, he completed a “pediatric orthopaedic and scoliosis fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.” He also holds a Master of Medical Management from the USC Marshall School of Business.

Dr. Skaggs will join Cedars-Sinai’s impressive surgeon team including the following industry veterans: Surgeon in Chief Bruce Gewertz, M.D.; Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery Mark Vrahas, M.D.; and Chair of Neurosurgery Keith Black, M.D.

While recognizing Cedars-Sinai’s leadership team, Dr. Skaggs commented to OTW, “Cedars-Sinai has a truly fantastic culture of leadership, collegiality, and commitment to excellence that I could not be more excited to join. Having the opportunity to work with great surgeon-leaders…will make me a better leader.”

Dr. Skaggs is not the only new addition to Cedars-Sinai. Elaine Butterworth, R.N. is also joining Cedars-Sinai in her new role as director of patient experience and education for the pediatric spine program. Butterworth has worked for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for the past 13 years. She has extensive experience educating families and is an “expert at conservative care of spine problems in children.”