USA Health expands with the addition of new pediatric orthopaedic surgeon

By Carol McPhail
cmcphail@health.southalabama.edu

William A. Cutchen, M.D., has joined USA Health as one of two orthopaedic surgeons who focus on caring for children with musculoskeletal problems. 

Cutchen comes to USA Health from Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he recently completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine.

He said he is happy to be back in Mobile and at the academic health system where he trained for five years as an orthopaedic surgery resident. “I am excited to be able to incorporate the teaching of residents and students into my practice. I want to give back to the place that trained me,” said Cutchen, who graduated from the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine in 2016. “It is also nice that there is a children’s hospital here that serves a wide area.”

While he will treat a range of orthopaedic problems, Cutchen said he is particularly interested in addressing limb deformities and foot and ankle issues, as well as helping patients with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular issues.

A native of Hoover, Alabama, he earned a degree in chemical engineering with a biomedical specialization and a business minor from Auburn University. He recognized his passion for orthopaedics during a stint as a high school football coach after college. “I enjoy working with young people,” he said. “I also think being able to identify and treat an issue in a child can make a difference in their life trajectory into adulthood.”

He is also interested in research, having been an author on scientific journal articles and a presenter of research at regional, state and national meetings. Among his current research are projects exploring patient costs following a closed reduction of a fracture and using artificial intelligence to look at migration index in pelvis radiographs of individuals with cerebral palsy.

“I think new technology is going to continue to impact the field of pediatric orthopaedics. Certain things are being investigated and used to limit radiation exposure to children who require multiple surveillance radiographs for a specific issue,” he said. “I am currently involved in one project looking at using AI, and I think the possible uses of AI will continue to grow.”

Cutchen will see patients at the Strada Patient Care Center, located at 1601 Center St., on USA Health’s campus in midtown Mobile. To make an appointment, call 251-665-8200.