Dr. Erik King Named Division Head of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine at Lurie Children’s

Erik King, MD, MS, has been named the Head of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He will also hold the Martha Washington Foundation Professorship in Pediatric Orthopaedics. He is and will remain a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. 

Dr. King has been a dynamic member of the division since 1999, serving as interim division head since 2021. 

“Dr. King’s leadership experience, academic accomplishments, faculty development skills and dedication to patient care will continue to serve him well in his division head role,” said Lurie Children’s Surgeon-in-Chief Dr. Thomas Inge. “The division will continue to excel, thrive and grow with him at the helm.” 

A recognized expert in the care and management of congenital and traumatic problems of the hand and upper extremity, scoliosis, spine deformity and pediatric orthopaedic trauma care, Dr. King has authored scientific publications on pediatric brachial plexus and congenital and traumatic problems of the hand.   

Dr. King is also a renowned mentor in the field, actively involved in the career development of his fellow faculty members and in the education of surgical fellows, residents and medical students. In addition, he has served on the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Selection Committee for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and in numerous leadership roles at Lurie Children’s. 

Dr. King serves as a fellow of both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Association. He is a member of both the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and the Scoliosis Research Society.  

Dr. King graduated from Harvard University with a BA in biochemical sciences. He went on to earn an MD and MS in Health Services Research from Stanford University. He performed his orthopaedic surgery residency at Northwestern University School of Medicine and then went on to complete a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedic and scoliosis surgery at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Texas. 

“It is an honor to lead this team of exceptional surgeons and providers,” Dr. King said. “Together we will build on the legacy of excellence in pediatric orthopaedics at Lurie Children’s to move this division and Lurie Children’s forward.” 

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and one of less than 35 nationally. This is where the top doctors go to train, practice pediatric medicine, teach, advocate, research and stay up to date on the latest treatments. Exclusively focused on children, all Lurie Children’s resources are devoted to serving their needs. Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

The providers within the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, many with subspeciality expertise in areas such as pediatric fractures, scoliosis and spina bifida, care for more than 49,000 children each year and offer the only pediatric bone health program in Illinois.