Orthopedics

Dr. Matthew Crawford

A native North Carolinian, Dr. Matt Crawford is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult and adolescent sports medicine injuries and cartilage restoration. Dr. Matthew Crawford joined EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region in 2022, serving the Burlington and Chapel Hill locations.

As a former national champion soccer player at UNC and Major League Soccer player, Dr. Crawford understands the demands and needs of athletes and patients.

Education and Expertise

Dr. Crawford received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He was a member of the UNC soccer team and won both an NCAA and ACC Championship while also serving as a team captain. He was named 1st Team Academic All-American and received the Patterson Medal for UNC’s most outstanding student-athlete. After college, he played professional soccer with Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids before a series of injuries and surgeries led him to medical school.

Dr. Crawford graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and completed orthopedic surgery residency at Duke University. He then completed a sports medicine fellowship at the prestigious Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado.

He serves as a staff physician for US Soccer and the US Ski and Snowboard Association, traveling around the world to provide care for some of the world’s top athletes. He has also provided care for many high school and NCAA athletic teams, including Duke basketball, soccer, volleyball, and football. Dr. Crawford’s personal experience with injury, surgery, and rehab while playing professional soccer provides perspective and motivation to help patients return to whatever their passion may be.

Dr. Crawford is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Piedmont Orthopaedic Society, and North Carolina Medical Society.

Dr. Crawford lives in Chapel Hill with his wife and son and enjoys hiking, biking, outdoor activities and spending time with his family.

Education

  • Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Medical School: University of California, San Francisco
  • Residency: Duke University Orthopedic Surgery
  • Fellowship: Steadman Philippon Research Institute 

Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

Associations

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
  • Piedmont Orthopedic Society
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