Path to Orthopedics

Though Dr. Bruce’s career in orthopedics via an early interest in sports is probably similar to many who enter this field, his path towards a career in orthopedic surgery is quite unique. In high school, he developed a passion for sports medicine as a member of the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Team training in Lake Placid, NY. It was there that he met several Physical Therapists who worked with the Olympic athletes at the training facility, including himself. He spent time shadowing these therapists in Lake Placid and decided to pursue this path as a profession out of high school. 

Throughout college in Springfield, MA, he stayed active in sports year-round with football in the fall and track in the winter and spring. So when it came time to do a Physical Therapy rotation in January he decided to head to Florida to train for track in the sun instead of the snow. He ended up staying with Dr. Jaquith, an Orthopedic Surgeon and was able to get a feel for life as an Orthopedic Surgeon. He spent four years working as a Physical Therapist prior to pursuing medical school and orthopedics.

Dr. Bruce completed his medical school training in Augusta, Ga at Medical College of Georgia and spent 5 years in orthopedic residency in Chattanooga. He performed a sports medicine fellowship with world renowned Dr. James Andrews covering the Washington Redskins, Auburn University and Pensacola Wahoos. While there he was involved in the care of many high profile athletes including Robert Griffin III, Rajon Rondo and CC Sabathia. 

Academic Career

Dr. Bruce began his orthopedic surgery career back in Chattanooga in 2013 as part of Chattanooga Bone & Joint and later joining Erlanger Orthopedics. He has always been faculty with UTCOM Chattanooga Orthopedic Residency program and is active with educating medical students and residents. Dr. Bruce served as Program Director for many years prior to taking on the role as Chair of the Orthopedic Department in 2023, which is when he gained his ranking of Professor with the UTHSC. 

Dr. Bruce has published over 50 research articles and is active in giving lectures around the country on topics of sports medicine and orthopedics. His research has been profiled in ESPN The Magazine and multiple other website for his research on youth injury prevention. He also serves a Director of Sports Medicine for the residency program and Medical Director for the UTC Athletic Training Program. Erlanger Orthopedics covers over 20 high schools and multiple colleges including UTC. Dr. Bruce is a ringside physician that has covered UFC, Bellator and USA Boxing events. 

Family Life

Dr. Bruce is married to his wife Julie Moon Bruce and they have 3 children that attend The Baylor School. They are active at Calvary Chapel and the family enjoys time together at their pool, hiking, boating, hunting and fishing together. 

Why Dr. Bruce Chose Erlanger Orthopedics?

I joined Erlanger because their mission coincides with mine, including caring for those that are less fortunate, caring for this communities’ children at the Children’s hospital and teaching the next generation of medical providers. Erlanger provides over 200 million dollars of uncompensated care and is the teaching institution where the latest and greatest techniques/innovations are being perfected. I am proud and honored to be part of the Erlanger Community.