New Leadership in Pediatric Orthopedics at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health

Jan. 23, 2026

STANFORD, Calif.—Kevin Shea, MD, has been appointed the Division Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. A nationally recognized pediatric orthopedic surgeon who joined Stanford Medicine in 2018, Dr. Shea has made substantial contributions at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

“I am honored to be appointed chief,” Dr. Shea says. “It’s a privilege to work in a healing profession and be a part of improving the lives of our patients and their families. We believe in a team approach—working closely with the patients and their families, in conjunction with our highly skilled and compassionate pediatric orthopedic surgery and sports medicine team. This allows us to work with a shared vision to achieve what’s best for the patient.”

Before becoming chief, Dr. Shea directed the hospital’s Sports Medicine Program, where he oversaw a team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and athletic trainers, all working together to help kids reach their athletic goals. The program includes the Young Athletes Academy, which provides sideline athletic training support and education to dozens of high school and club teams across the Bay Area.

Dr. Shea is also the president of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). His research interests lie in pediatric knee anatomy, and he has published dozens of papers about how to apply anatomical findings to improve surgical outcomes in children and teens. He co-founded the group Research in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK), which has 60 surgeon members around the world and has several ongoing research projects designed to better understand the condition and how to best treat it. More recently, Dr. Shea has become involved with another osteochondritis dissecans research group, ROCKET, that studies osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow.

In addition to his new role, Dr. Shea will continue to serve as the Associate Surgeon-in-Chief for Quality, Medical Director for Supply Chain Management, and Medical Director for Rehabilitation Services, and chair the Value-Based Management Committee and the Cost Savings Reinvestment Program.

Dr. Shea is committed to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals through his guidance of the Stanford Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Summer Research Program, fostering diversity and excellence in the field of pediatric orthopedics. He is an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame and UCLA School of Medicine, with advanced training completed at the University of Utah and international fellowships in San Diego, Switzerland, and Italy.

Media Contact

Elizabeth Valente
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Media/PR Manager
EValente@stanfordchildrens.org
(650) 269-5401