We're located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois
MEET THE founder
Roma Fe Mabanag, MD
She is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow under Dr. Farid Amirouche at the Biomechanics Laboratory of the University of Illinois Chicago Orthopaedics Department. She earned her medical degree from San Beda University, where she was recognized as the Most Outstanding Clinical Clerk in Orthopedics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, where she was honored with an Academic Excellence Award. Fueled by a deep commitment to advancing musculoskeletal science, she became an active member of the Orthopaedic Research Society’s Implant Section. She is now on a mission to:
Uplift the Filipino orthopedics globally
Drive orthopedic innovation in the Philippines
Build research collaboration in underrepresented areas
MEET THE founder
Roma Fe Mabanag, MD
She is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow under Dr. Farid Amirouche at the Biomechanics Laboratory of the University of Illinois Chicago Orthopaedics Department. She earned her medical degree from San Beda University, where she was recognized as the Most Outstanding Clinical Clerk in Orthopedics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, where she was honored with an Academic Excellence Award. Fueled by a deep commitment to advancing musculoskeletal science, she became an active member of the Orthopaedic Research Society’s Implant Section. Led by purpose, she is now on a mission to:
Uplift the Filipino Orthopedics
community globally
Elevate orthopedic research
and innovation in the Philippines
Build research collaboration
in underrepresented areas
A Journey of Purpose
Anchored in Faith
Her international journey began at the University of California, San Francisco, during the Digital Orthopedics Conference on October 11, 2024. There, she met influential pioneers and thought leaders who inspired her to pursue greater purpose, global collaboration, and innovation in orthopedic research.
With Dr. Stefano Bini, Professor and CTO in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and Kristina Portillo, MS of DOCSF
With Dr. Kazuhito Morioka, Assistant Professor and Researcher for Basic/Translational Research at UCSF, ZSFG, and, Orthopedic Trauma Institute
With Dr. Fabrizio Billi, Professor, University of California, Los Angeles, Director, Co-Director, Orthopaedic Research at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
With Dr. Michael Karch, Associate Professor, Georgetown University, Co-Founder - Mammoth Orthopedic Institute Co-Inventor - SteriTools, Inc, SmartDrill, Inc
The Adventure Continues
From the West Coast, she traveled to North Carolina, where she deepened her understanding of orthopedics through the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting and at Duke University. These experiences ignited her passion for orthopedic device innovation, and translational research.
North Carolina Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting | October 25-27, 2024 Omni Charlotte Hotel
With Duke University President Price at the 6th Annual Invented at Duke event on November, 20, 2024 | Credits: A. Lurie
SESHSMD 2024 Fall Conference: Healthcare Unbound | November 7, 2024 Washington Duke Inn | Durham
With Todd Quartiere, MMCi, Leader of Responsible AI, Vynamic; Executive Director of Foundation for AI & Health
A Divinely Orchestrated Path Forward
She continued to represent the Philippines in the healthcare innovation space during the Yale Center for Biomedical Innovation and Technology Hackathon. While at Yale University, she also participated in a specialized session on orthopedic implant innovation, where she gained a deeper understanding of hip implant design and biomechanics through the esteemed Keggi-Rubin Implant Archives preserved at Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library in New Haven, Connecticut
With Dr. Lee Rubin, Associate Professor, Yale University, Program Director, Yale Hip & Knee Arthroplasty Fellowship | January 24, 2025
The 2nd Edition of Direct Anterior Approach book signed by Dr. Rubin — a powerful message, reminder and inspiration to contribute to the future of implant innovation.
Yale Center for Biomedical Innovation and Technology Healthcare Hackathon | January 24-26, 2025
Learning Session about the history of hip implants featuring the Keggi—Rubin Hip Implant Collection | Yale
Centered around the theme “Hacking Healthspan and Longevity,” the 12th annual Yale Healthcare Hackathon
Where the Vision Unfolded
Fueled by a deeper sense of purpose and unwavering commitment to her passion, she joined the Orthopaedic Research Society and became a member of its Implants Section. There, she began to envision a future where she—and other exceptional Filipino orthopedic surgeons—would gain global recognition for advancing orthopedic research and innovation.
Orthopedic Research Society 2025 Annual Meeting | February 7-11, 2025 Phoenix Convention Center | Phoenix, Arizona | Exploring Groundbreaking Research
Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society Regional Conference at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona February 8, 2025 | Empowering the Next Generation of Female Orthopaedic Surgeons
Representing San Beda University as an Orthopaedic Implant Research Section Member
Introduction of the the Latest Additions to the Implant Section
MISSION IN ACTION
TOGETHER, WE RISE
Now, at the University of Illinois Chicago, she has found a home at the state-of-the-art Biomechanics Laboratory within the Department of Orthopedics, where possibilities are truly limitless.
Here, she leads pioneering studies at the intersection of engineering and medicine—transforming ideas into impactful discoveries. More than just advancing science, she is opening doors of opportunity for her fellow Filipinos—proving that with vision, dedication, hardwork and faith, no dream is too big when anchored in purpose and relentless pursuit of excellence.
You, too, are meant to stand at the forefront of global orthopedic breakthroughs—carrying Filipino pride with every step forward.
MISSION IN ACTION
TOGETHER, WE RISE
Now, at the University of Illinois Chicago, she has found a home at the state-of-the-art Biomechanics Laboratory within the Department of Orthopedics, where possibilities are truly limitless.
Here, she leads pioneering studies at the intersection of engineering and medicine—transforming ideas into impactful discoveries. More than just advancing science, she is opening doors of opportunity for her fellow Filipinos—proving that with vision, dedication, hardwork and faith, no dream is too big when anchored in purpose and relentless pursuit of excellence.
You, too, are meant to stand at the forefront of global orthopedic breakthroughs—carrying Filipino pride with every step forward.
