David N. Garras, MD

David N. Garras is a board-certified orthopedist who specializes in foot and ankle surgery, with an emphasis on total ankle replacement, occupational and sports injuries, ligament and tendon repairs and reconstruction, minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques, deformity correction and reconstructive surgery, as well as foot and ankle fracture care. He has a strong interest in Achilles ruptures, sports injuries, and foot and ankle arthritis.

Although Dr. Garras grew up in Southern California, he was born in Egypt and is fluent in Arabic. He developed his passion for orthopedics while serving as a medic in the U.S. Navy.

After his honorable discharge, he attended the University of California, graduating summa cum laude and at the top of his class. He went on to complete his medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC, where he worked with Dr. James Nunley and Dr. Mark Easley. He completed his residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Rothman Institute, in Philadelphia, PA, working with Dr. Steven Raikin. He completed his fellowship at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, NC, under the direction of foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Robert Anderson, along with Drs. Hodges Davis, Bruce Cohen, and Carroll Jones. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society.

Dr. Garras is committed to research, having written numerous articles for publication in textbooks and medical journals. He received multiple awards for his research, including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and the Alpha Omega Alpha research award.

Dr. Garras is on the faculty at the University of Illinois Chicago. [NEEDS INPUT FROM PRACTICE: original bio reads “He enjoys teaching and interacting with the orthopedic at both UIC and Midwestern University”, a word is missing after “orthopedic.” Left blank rather than guess.] He is also a consultant for several orthopedic companies and has developed numerous innovative foot and ankle implants.

Dr. Garras is dedicated to medical and surgical humanitarian causes. Along with the Community Empowerment Group, he founded orthopedic surgical mission work in the Azua and Peralta provinces of the Dominican Republic. He leads week-long trips that provide surgical care to underprivileged populations there and works to raise funds and secure donations for the program.

When he’s not working, Dr. Garras enjoys spending time with his wife and sons. He is an avid Duke basketball fan, but will treat Carolina fans as well. He enjoys country music, traveling, and eating spicy food. His greatest satisfaction comes from his family and from being able to help so many people.