Ronald Hugate

Ronald Hugate, M.D.,, FAAOS is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in orthopedic oncology, hip preservation, complex joint reconstruction, and limb salvage. Dr. Hugate is considered a leader and innovator in the treatment of complex orthopedic problems. Dr. Hugate treats patients with forms of complex orthopedic problems that most others cannot, from cancer to prosthetics and everything in between. He enjoys the challenging and complex cases that allow him to utilize his extensive training and research. He loves the reward of seeing patients who have nowhere else to turn back on their feet and feeling better in life after treatment!

Dr. Hugate graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Tech University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1994, he then went on to complete medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School. In 1998, Dr. Hugate began his surgical internship at Penn State University where he then also completed his orthopedic surgery residency. In 2003, Dr. Hugate completed the Ivin’s Research Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and then went on to complete an orthopedic oncology fellowship there as well. In 2005 the Mayo clinic awarded Dr. Hugate the title “Instructor of Orthopedics” for his hard work and dedication.

Dr. Hugate is committed to the betterment of orthopedic care today and for the generations to come. He passes on a legacy of intellectual curiosity and desire to help others through teaching young people. As an adjunct associate professor of mechanical and materials engineering at the University of Denver, and clinical faculty at the Rocky Vista University School of Medicine, Dr. Hugate enjoys inspiring and training the next generation of engineers and physicians. Through this collaboration with educational institutions, Dr. Hugate stays actively involved in researching ways to improve osseous and other bio-integrated implants, the medical and surgical treatment of bone cancers, and joint reconstructions.

Dr. Hugate has authored and co-authored several scientific articles and a patient guide to joint replacement called “The Handbook of Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery: Through the Eyes of the Patient, Surgeon, and Medical Team!”. He and his work have been featured on numerous television and radio programs that include local news stations, public radio, The Today Show and even ‘Animal Planet’.

In addition to his commitment to excellence in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Hugate is also committed to service. He has participated in multiple medical mission trips to aid underserved populations of the world. Most recently he went to Haiti in January of 2010 following the devastating earthquake. Dr. Hugate has also proudly served our country as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army reserves where he has been deployed 4 times (including deployments to combat hospitals in both Afghanistan and Iraq) in support of our troops. For his efforts in the Army, Dr. Hugate has twice been awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

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