George Russell was born in Michigan and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He received his bachelor’s degree from Denison University and his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, followed by an orthopaedic residency at University Hospital, University of Cincinnati, and an orthopaedic trauma fellowship at The University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center. He also holds an executive MBA from the Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

In 2000, George joined the department of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) after serving as assistant professor of orthopaedic trauma at the University of South Alabama. At UMMC, he became one of the nation’s leading orthopaedic trauma surgeons. He is recognized as an expert on obesity in orthopaedics, and his creation of the clamshell osteotomy, used to correct crooked bones, has been utilized around the globe. George is profoundly attached to the incredible satisfaction of serving a population with tremendous need, offering him the privilege of practicing what he loves. George is committed to excellence in education and has been selected multiple times as Professor of the Year.

George has served effectively in several leadership roles in complex organizations. Currently, he is the Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Associate Chief of UPMC’s Orthopaedic service line, an Associate Chief of Surgical Quality and Executive Vice Chair of Pitt’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

George has completed Ironman triathlons in New Zealand and South Africa. Currently, he occupies his spare time with CrossFit and golf. He is married to Stephanie Russell, also a triathlete, and has three daughters. To learn more about the wonderful human being that George is, please read this article written about him during his time at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2020/03/George-Russell.html

Through The Sweet Spot Leader program, George seeks to pass along his experience and wisdom to those who, like him, are dedicated to leading transformational change to make our world a better place for everyone.