Post-doctoral Research Scholar
UC Davis Health
Hania Shahzad, MD, is a physician–researcher with a focus on academic medicine and health technology research. Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Shahzad earned her medical degree before moving to the United States to pursue research training and advanced academic opportunities. She has since worked at first the Ohio State University and later at UC Davis Health as a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, where her research has spanned spine surgery, musculoskeletal trauma, arthroplasty, and health equity.
Her scholarly work emphasizes the integration of enabling technologies into surgical practice and patient education. She has contributed to projects exploring augmented reality (AR) tools for improving patient health literacy, gamification in orthopedic trauma education, and outcomes research using large national databases such as PearlDiver. Her recent publications address topics including cannabis and musculoskeletal health, gender disparities in orthopedic training and leadership, and the role of biologics in spinal fusion and bone healing.
Beyond her academic contributions, Dr. Shahzad is committed to advocacy and mentorship. She works to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within surgical education and training. She has presented her work at national and international conferences and has co-authored peer-reviewed articles in journals such as European Spine Journal, Clinical Spine Surgery, The Journal of Arthroplasty, Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Global Spine Journal, The Spine Journal, Anaesthesia, and BMJ Open.
Dr. Shahzad’s long-term goal is to become an academic orthopedic surgeon, advancing patient care through both surgical practice and research innovation. She aspires to combine her passion for clinical excellence with her interest in developing technologies and educational frameworks that improve outcomes, empower patients, and foster equity in surgery.
