Dr. Lawrence Wells, MD

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Get to know Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Lawrence Wells, who serves patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Recognized as a caring and compassionate pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Wells is in practice at Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. 

A proud alumnus of Stanford University and the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine, he honed his skills through rigorous academic training. His residency in orthopedic surgery at the esteemed University of California-San Francisco further fortified his expertise, preparing him for the challenges ahead. Committed to specialization, he pursued a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery in Cincinnati, where he delved deep into the intricacies of addressing musculoskeletal issues in children.

In 1990, Dr. Wells brought his passion for healing to the Permanente Medical Group in South San Francisco, where he served as a dedicated staff physician at the Kaiser South San Francisco facility. Concurrently, he extended his care to the University of California-San Francisco, assuming the role of Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery.

Acknowledging his exceptional skills and leadership qualities, he was appointed Assistant Physician-in-Chief at Kaiser South in San Francisco in 1998, where he continued to make significant contributions to patient care and organizational development.

In 2002, Dr. Wells embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career, answering the call to join the esteemed ranks of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). His arrival marked a pivotal moment for the institution, as Dr. Wells brought with him a wealth of expertise and a steadfast commitment to advancing pediatric orthopedics.

At CHOP, he assumed multiple roles, each underscoring his unwavering dedication to the field. As the Associate Director of Sports Medicine, he spearheaded efforts to ensure the well-being of young athletes, advocating for injury prevention and promoting safe practices in sports. Additionally, as the Director of Orthopedic Ambulatory Operations at CHOP’s Specialty Care Center, he played a pivotal role in optimizing outpatient orthopedic services, enhancing accessibility and quality of care for patients.

Subsequent to his education, the doctor attained board certification in orthopedic surgery through the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopedic surgeons.

Beyond his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Wells remains deeply engaged in academia and community service. He is a prolific author and sought-after speaker, sharing his insights on injury recovery and prevention in pediatric and adolescent athletes at national forums. Moreover, his involvement as a board member of the Philadelphia Orthopedic Society underscores his commitment to advancing orthopedic care beyond the confines of his institution.

Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

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