Michael Karch, MD
Specialties
Orthopedic Surgery
Areas of Interest
Dr. Karch specializes in orthopaedic trauma, AO philosophy. His skillset includes complex peri-articular trauma, joint replacement surgery including anterior total hip replacement, total knee replacement, advanced arthroscopic techniques for the knee, as well as general orthopedics, hand, foot and ankle.
Board Certification
American Board of Medical Specialties of Orthopedic Surgery
Education
Georgetown University School of Medicine, Goergetown, Washington D.C. - M.D. Doctor of Medicine
University of Delaware College of Arts and Sciences, Newark Delaware - B.A.
Medical Training
Loma Linda University Community Medical Center, Loma Linda, California - Internship
Georgetown University School of Medicine, Georgetown, Washington D.C. - Residency
Taos Orthopedic Institute. Taos, New Mexico - Fellowship
Biography
Michael Karch, M.D., is a multifaceted professional who combines his expertise as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in computer-navigated and robotic hip and knee replacement with roles as an entrepreneur, inventor, author, and international disaster responder. Dr. Karch co-invented the Smart Drill and SteriTools technologies, holding numerous patents in the medical device sector. He co-founded PEAK IV Therapy and Regenerative Medicine and also co-founded the Mammoth Orthopedic Institute and serves as faculty for their fellowship training program. Additionally, he serves as an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Dr. Karch's commitment to global health is evident in his rapid response work to international disasters. He was one of the first physicians on-site at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001, attacks and has led Forward Surgical Teams to various disaster zones worldwide. He also co-founded Mammoth Medical Missions 501(c)(3), an organization dedicated to providing immediate medical care in disaster and conflict zones. For his leadership during these missions, Dr. Karch has received two letters of commendation from the President of the United States and international recognition from the United Nations, and the governments of Iraq, Kurdistan, Nepal, Mexico, and the Philippines.
An accomplished author, Dr. Karch has written three books: "Tangible Heroes: The Force Multiplying Power of Ordinary People with Extraordinary Impact", "Artificial Intelligence for the Everyday Person: Demystifying AI." He has recently completed his third book on AI ethics, "The Paradox of Progress: The Roses and Thorns of Artificial Intelligence."
He is a lifelong learner and currently enrolled the Harvard Business School studying Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics, the Harvard Medical School Executive Education Program, studying Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, as well as MIT studying machine learning in their Executive Education Program.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Karch is an avid endurance athlete, having completed 57 marathons, 6 Iron Distance Triathlons, and numerous ultra-distance running, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking events. He has completed a solo multiple muti-day unsupported 211 mile run on the John Muir Trail in the High Sierra mountains of California as well as an ultra-run along the Inca Trail in the Peruvian Andes. He is a two-time finisher of the Badwater 135-mile Ultramarathon across Death Valley, often touted as the most challenging endurance footrace race in the world.
Dr. Karch resides on his family ranch in Mammoth Lakes, California, with his wife, Kim, and their three children, Mia, Dane.
Teaching or Professional Positions
Team Physician
Gold and Silver Medal winning United States Nordic Combined Ski Team; Vancouver, Canada 2010.
Team Physician
Team Running USA Silver and Bronze medals Men's and Women's Marathon Athens, Greece 2004. Team Physician for the United States Ski Team since 2002.
Founder: Mass Casualty/Disaster Preparedness Training
Unique approach to Mass Casualty Training involving the use of human cadavers for the entire Surgical and Emergency Room teams as well as EMS/Fire.
Medical Director: Mammoth Mountain Teams
Coordination and oversight of all snow discipline athletes on Mammoth Mountain, USA; 3rd largest ski area in North America. (Alpine, Downhill, Alpine GS and Slalom, Nordic, Snowboard, Biathlon, Freeride, Ski-cross, Boarder-cross.)
Medical Director: Mammoth Ski Patrol
Coordination, instuction, and oversight of on Mammoth Mountain amd backcountry mountain rescue operations.
Chairman: Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Mammoth Hospital, Mammoth Lakes, California
Founder: Mammoth Winter Biathlon
North America's largest winter Biathlon combining cross country ski racing and marksmanship.
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Visiting Clinical Instructor Orthopaedic Surgery: Moraa University School of Medicine. Kabul, Afghanistan.
Professional Memberships
Associate Clinical Professor Orthopaedic Surgery – University of Nevada. 2005-present
Mass Casualty Instruction – Director/Instructor – Annual Course
Mass Casualty Advanced Training – AAOS/Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons
Mass Casualty On Call – AAOS on Call Domestic/Foreign Disaster Surge Team
AO Co- Director – AO Trauma Fellowship. Mammoth Lakes, CA A
O Faculty – AO Operating Room Personnel Course – San Francisco, CA. 2008
AO Faculty – AO Operating Room Personnel Course. Mammoth Lakes, CA 2003- Present
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society – Georgetown University School of Medicine
Honors and Awards
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society – Georgetown University School of Medicine
“String of Pearls” Resident Teaching Award – Georgetown 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
“Mother of Pearl” Resident Teaching Award - Georgetown 1999, 2000, 2001
Hugh Huffy Surgical Resident Teaching Award - Georgetown 1997
Bridget Foster MacNamara Graduating Senior Award in Anesthesia - Georgetown 1995
