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Angelina Vera, M.D. Fellowship Trained Orthopedic SurgeonSports Medicine Specialist

Dr. Angelina Vera

Angelina Vera, MD, is a board certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and the treatment of injuries to the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. She is dedicated to the prevention and management of sports and dance-related injuries. She has a particular interest in hip pathology, anatomic variances, and genetics as they relate to the dancer. Dr. Vera has presented her research at multiple national and international conferences and authored several peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Vera earned her bachelor’s degree in Sports Injury Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She worked as a professional dancer, instructor, and choreographer for over 10 years before, during, and after her undergraduate career. She subsequently attended the University of Nevada School of Medicine for her medical doctorate (M.D.). She completed her residency in orthopedic surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital and completed a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

During her time in Houston, Dr. Vera worked with the Houston Ballet, Houston Astros, and Rice University track and football teams. She is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society, and The Arthroscopy Association of North American.

Training

  • Mayo Clinic Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship (Arizona)
    August 2020 – July 2021
  • Houston Methodist Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Residency
    July 2015 – June 2020

Education

  • University of Nevada School of Medicine
    Medical Doctorate
    August 2011 - May 2015
  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    Sports Injury Management, B.S.
    January 2002- December 2004

Medical Licensures

  • Nevada Medical License
    February 26, 2021 – June 30, 2023
  • Arizona Medical License
    April 15, 2020 - January 14, 2023
  • Texas Physician in Training Permit
    July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2020

Professional Affiliations

  • Arthroscopic Association of North America
    Member 2019 – Present
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
    Member 2015 – Present
  • Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society
    Member 2011 – Present
  • International Association of Dance Medicine And Science
    Member 2003-Present
  • American College of Surgeons
    Medical Student Member 2013-2015
  • Christian Medical and Dental Association
    Student Member 2003-2015
  • Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society
    Member 2009-2011

Academic Honors

  • Carl L. Nelson, M.D. Physician in Training Award
    Mid-America Orthopaedic Association
    February 2020
  • First Place Podium Presentation
    Methodist Association for Postdoctoral and Trainee Affairs, Houston Methodist Hospital
    August 2019
  • Honors in Orthopaedic Surgery Sub-Internship
    University of Utah, School of Medicine
    Fall 2014
  • Honors in Orthopaedic Surgery Sub-Internship
    University of Arizona, College of Medicine
    Fall 2014
  • Magna Cum Laude and University Honors Scholar
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    2004
  • Dean’S List
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    2002-2004
  • Honors College Scholarship
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    2002-2004

Team Coverage

  • Nevada Ballet Theater
    2023 Present
  • Spiegelworld
    2023 Present
  • Arizona State University Athletics
    2020 - 2021 season
  • Houston Ballet Company Physical Examinations
    2016 - 2019
  • Rice University Pre-Participation Physical Examinations
    2018
  • Robert E. Lee High School Football Team Game Coverage
    2018-2019
  • Houston Independent School District Pre-Participation Physicals
    2017- 2019
  • Conference USA Men’S And Women’S Outdoor Track And Field Championship, Rice University
    2018
  • Houston Astros Draft Medical Review
    2018

Administrative Service

  • Christian Medical and Dental Association
    University of Nevada School of Medicine Chapter
    Student Leader 2012-2013
  • Nevada to Nicaragua
    Student Organizer 2011-2012
    Student Coordinator for and Participant in Medical and Community Service Work in Rural Nicaragua

Grant Support

  • Research Grant
    Houston Methodist Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
    $60,000
    Completed

Current Research

  • Vera Am, Mcquivey Ks, Murphy Sn, Brinkman Jc, Economopoulos Kj. Capsular Management In Adolescent Females Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy For Femoroacetabular Impingement: Should We Close The Capsule? Manuscript In Review.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

  1. Vera AM, Harris Hip Instability in Dancers: A Narrative Review. Journal of Dance Medicine and Science. Accepted for publication. Awaiting publication date.
  2. Vera AM, Bockhorn LN, Delgado D, Dong D, Varner KE, Harris JD. Beighton Score Inter- and Intra-rater Reliability: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. Accepted for publication. Awaiting publication date.
  3. Vera AM, Barrera B, Yetter T, Dong D, Varner K, Mcculloch PC, Harris An Injury Prevention Program in Professional Ballet: A Randomized Controlled Investigation. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020 Jul 28;8(7):2325967120937643. doi: 10.1177/2325967120937643. eCollection 2020 Jul.
  4. Vera AM, Peterson LE, Dong D, Haghshenas V, Yetter TR, Delgado DA, Mcculloch PC, Varner KE, Harris High Prevalence Of Connective Tissue Gene Variants In Professional Ballet. Am J Sports Med. 2020 Jan;48(1):222-228 AJSM. doi: 10.1177/0363546519887955. Epub 2019 Nov 25.
  5. Vera AM, Beauchman N, Mcculloch PC, Gerrie BJ, Harris Brake Reaction Time Following Hip Arthroscopy. Arthroscopy. 2017 May;33(5):971-976. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2016.11.020. Epub 2017 Jan 11.
  6. Vera AM, Russo M, Mohsin A, Tsuda Augmented Reality Telementoring (ART) Platform: A randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a new surgical education technology. Surgical Endoscopy. 2014 Dec; 28(12): 3467-3472. 10.1007/s00464-014-3625-4.

Abstracts and/or Proceedings

  1. Vera AM, Barrera B, Peterson LE, Dong D, Varner KE, Mcculloch PC, Harris JD. An Injury Prevention Program in Professional Ballet: A Randomized Controlled Investigation. Podium Presentation. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. San Diego, CA. August 2021.
  2. Vera AM, Barrera B, Peterson LE, Dong D, Varner KE, Mcculloch PC, Harris JD. An Injury Prevention Program in Professional Ballet: A Randomized Controlled Investigation. Podium Presentation. Mid-America Orthopaedic Association. Amelia Island, FL. April 2021.
  3. Vera AM, McQuivey KS, Murphy SN, Brinkman JC, Economopoulos KJ. Capsular Management in Adolescent Females Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Should We Close the Capsule? Podium Presentation. Mayo Clinic Arizona 4th Annual Resident and Fellow Research Day. June 19, 2021
  4. Vera AM, Mcculloch PC, Varner KE, Harris Anatomic Factors Affecting Turnout. Podium Presentation. Mid-America Orthopaedic Association. Bonita Springs, FL. April 2020. Meeting cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic.
  5. Vera AM, Lambert B, Peterson L, Delgado D, Yetter T, Varner K, Mcculloch PC, Harris High Prevalence of Connective Tissue Gene Variants in Professional Ballet Influences Hip Motion. Poster Presentation. Mid-America Orthopaedic Association. Bonita Springs, FL. April 2020. Meeting cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic.
  6. Vera AM. Injury Reduction in Elite Ballet. Podium Presentation. Youth America Grand Prix, International Ballet Competition. Houston, TX. February 2020.
  7. Vera AM, Mcculloch Pc, Varner KE, Harris Anatomic Factors Affecting Turnout. Poster Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Montreal, Canada. October 2019.
  8. Vera AM, Mcculloch Pc, Varner Ke, Harris Anatomic Factors Affecting Turnout. e-Poster Presentation. International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) Annual Meeting. Madrid, Spain. October 2019.
  9. Vera AM, Harris Hip Instability and Labral Tears in Dancers: Arthroscopic Indications and Outcomes. Podium Presentation. Principles of Dance Medicine: Clinical Management of the Dancer Patient. NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries. 18 July 2019.
  10. Vera AM, Yetter T, Delgado DA, Mcculloch PC, Varner KE, Harris Increased Femoral Torsion In Higher Ranking Dancers Within A Large Metropolitan Ballet Company. Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Helsinki, Finland. 28 October 2018.
  11. Vera AM, Harris Hip Instability in Dancers: A Narrative Review. Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Helsinki, Finland. 28 October 2018.
  12. Vera AM, Lambert B, Peterson L, Delgado D, Yetter T, Varner K, Mcculloch PC, Harris High Prevalence of Connective Tissue Gene Variants in Professional Ballet Influences Hip Motion. Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Helsinki, Finland. 28 October 2018.
  13. Vera AM, Bockhorn Ln, Delgado D, Dong D, Varner KE, Harris Beighton Score Inter- and Intra-rater Reliability: A Systematic Review. Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Helsinki, Finland. 28 October 2018.
  14. BOCKHORN LN,Vera AM, Delgado D, Dong D, Varner KE, Harris Beighton Score Inter- and Intra-rater Reliability: A
  15. Systematic Review. e-Poster Presentation. International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) Annual Meeting. Melbourne, Australia. 4-6 October 2018.
  16. Vera AM, Barrera B, Peterson LE, Dong D, Varner KE, Mcculloch PC, Harris JD. An Injury Prevention Program in Professional Ballet: A Randomized Controlled Investigation. Podium Presentation. Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Third Annual Hugh S. Tullos, MD Resident and Fellow Research Symposium. Houston, TX. 21 Jun 2018.
  17. Vera AM, Lambert B, Peterson L, Delgado D, Yetter T, Varner K, Mcculloch PC, Harris High Prevalence of Connective Tissue Gene Variants in Professional Ballet Influences Hip Motion. Poster Presentation. Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA. 12 Mar 2018.
  18. Vera AM, Harris High Prevalence of Connective Tissue Gene Variants in Professional Ballet Influences Hip Motion. Podium Presentation. International Society of Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) Annual Meeting. Santiago, Chile. 12-14 October 2017.
  19. Vera AM, Harris Increased Femoral Version in Higher Ranking Dancers Within A Large Metropolitan Ballet Company. Poster Presentation. International Society of Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) Annual Meeting. Santiago, Chile. 12-14 October 2017.
  20. Vera AM, Haghshenas V, Yetter T, Varner Ke, Mcculloch PC, Harris High Prevalence of Connective Tissue Gene Variants in Professional Ballet. Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Houston, TX. 12 Oct 2017.
  21. Vera AM, Barrera B, Yetter T, Dong D, Varner KE, Mcculloch PC, Harris Results of an Injury Prevention Program in Professional Ballet: A Randomized Controlled Investigation. Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Houston, TX. 14 Oct 2017.
  22. Vera AM. Dancers Are Athletes. Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Houston, TX. 12 Oct 2017.
  23. Vera AM, Barrera B, Varner K, Mcculloch PC, Harris Design and Implementation of an Injury Prevention Program in Professional Ballet: A Randomized Controlled Investigation. Podium Presentation. National Athletic Trainers Association Annual Meeting. Houston, TX. 26 Jun 2017.
  24. Vera AM, Yetter T, Varner K, Mcculloch PC, Harris High Prevalence of Connective Tissue Gene Variants in
  25. Professional Ballet. Podium Presentation. Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Second Annual Hugh S. Tullos, MD Resident and Fellow Research Symposium. Houston, TX. 16 Jun 2017.
  26. Vera AM, Barrera B, Varner K, Mcculloch PC, Harris Design and Implementation of an Injury Prevention Program in Professional Ballet: A Randomized Controlled Investigation. Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China. 23 Oct 2016.
  27. Vera AM. Are Dancers Athletes? Podium Presentation. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Meeting. Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China. 23 Oct 2016.
  28. Vera AM, Barrera B, Peterson LE, Dong D, Varner K, Mcculloch PC, Harris Design of an Injury Prevention Program for
  29. Professional Ballet: A Randomized Controlled Investigation. Podium Presentation. Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine First Annual Hugh S. Tullos, MD Resident and Fellow Research Symposium. Houston, TX. 10 Jun 2016.
  30. Vera AM, Russo M, Mohsin A, Tsuda Augmented Reality Telementoring (ART) Platform: A randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a new surgical education technology. Poster Presentation. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. 19 April 2013.
  31. Muir C, Richardson E, Shawo A and Vera AM. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Our Community: Community Oriented Primary Care Project. Morning Report. Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine. Las Vegas, NV. 6 Dec. 2013. Composite Evaluation Score: 5/5
  32. Holcomb WR, Guadagnoli MA, Benson M. The Effect of Fitness Training on Golf Related Variables. The World Scientific Congress on Golf. St. Andrews, Scotland. 2002 · Unlv & Healthsouth Golf Research Study – Research Assistant

Book Chapters

  • Vera AM, Tokish JT. Chapter 7: Management of the Throwing Shoulder. In: Cole & Chahla eds. Surgical Techniques of the Shoulder, Elbow, and knee in Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Elsevier; publication in process.
  • Vera AM, Patel KA. Chapter 9: Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle. In: Anderson & O’Malley eds. Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine the Athlete's Foot and Ankle. Elsevier/Stellar Medical Publications; publication in process.

Professional Experience

  • Dance Instructor, Choreographer & Administrative Assistant · 2000-2011
    Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts · Las Vegas, NV
    • Taught all levels of ballet, jazz and lyrical technique, and beginning tap at a studio of 1000+ students
    • Choreographed and coached ballet pieces winning top first and overall high scores at multiple competitions
    • Ordered, coordinated, organized, grouped and distributed 1000+ costumes annually
    • Kept detailed records of purchase orders, returns and corrections
    • Assisted customers with costume sizing and design problems
  • Guest Teacher · 2009-2011
    Clark County School District · Clark County, NV
    • Long Term Assignment at Green Valley High School - 4th Quarter of 2009
    • Taught beginning through advanced dance technique and theory to public high school students
    • Choreographed, costumed, produced and directed a high school dance show with a cast of 150 students
  • Dance Instructor & Choreographer · 2005-2011
    Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing & Visual Arts · Las Vegas, NV
    • Taught intermediate through advanced ballet technique and theory at a magnet high school weekly as a para-professional Choreographed contemporary ballet piece for their bi-annual concert
  • Professional Dancer – Ballet, Jazz, Ballroom · 1999-2011
    Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; Riviera Hotel; Harrah’s Entertainment; Always Entertaining; Undercover Productions; StarrPro Productions · Las Vegas, NV
    • Danced ballet, jazz, contemporary, and ballroom professionally for various short and long term shows in Las Vegas and nationally
  • Mortgage Agent · 2005-2007
    Mortgage Loan Specialists · Las Vegas, NV
    • Specialized in writing sub-prime loans
    • Qualified clients for loans appropriate for their individual needs and matched clients with the appropriate lender
    • Personally, guided clients through the closing procedures with the title company

Community Service

  • Student Outreach Clinic
    University of Nevada School of Medicine
    August 2011-March 2013
  • Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows
    Flu Clinic Co-Coordinator sponsored by CMDA
    November 2012
  • Nevada To Nicaragua
    May 12-28, 2012
    • Student coordinator and participant for medical and community service work in rural Nicaragua
    • Coordinated a successful wine tasting fundraiser for the trip
  • St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, San Martin Campus
    Information Desk Volunteer
    February - August 2010
  • Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor & Service Society
    2009-2011
  • Dancer & Choreographer
    1992-2011
    • Concert Fantasy - benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Artistic Pathways
    • Golden Rainbow - benefiting local men, women and children fighting AIDS
    • Numerous other shows for Opportunity Village, Festival of Trees and Lights, local senior centers and churches