David Zuelzer, MD

Advanced expertise in orthopedic trauma and complex fracture care

David A. Zuelzer, M.D., is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at VCU Health specializing in orthopedic trauma, with expertise in pelvic and acetabular (hip socket) injuries and complex hindfoot trauma — among the most technically demanding injuries in the field.

“Orthopedic trauma is the most rewarding career I can imagine. I love coming to work every day knowing I can make a meaningful difference in my patients’ lives,” he says. “I am driven by the opportunity to care for my community while teaching and mentoring the next generation of orthopedic surgeons: residents, fellows and medical students.”

Dr. Zuelzer views orthopedic trauma as a calling and is drawn to caring for patients at their most vulnerable, often after life-altering injuries. His biomedical engineering background uniquely informs his surgical approach, allowing him to bring creativity and problem-solving to the challenges each case presents.

A recognized leader in his field, Dr. Zuelzer has earned numerous distinctions, including the prestigious Jack McDaniel Memorial Fellowship Award from AO Trauma North America, the Ray Neef Memorial Award for Outstanding Chief Resident at the University of Kentucky, and the University of Kentucky Department of Orthopedic Surgery’s Faculty Educator of the Year Award, chosen by residents. Most recently, he was named an Emerging Leader by the American Orthopaedic Association in 2026.

His research centers on improving surgical techniques and outcomes for patients undergoing pelvic and acetabular surgery. He serves as a site principal investigator for VCU Health’s participation in the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium and is a regularly invited lecturer at state, regional and national orthopedic trauma conferences. His research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research and Injury.

In addition to his clinical and research roles, Dr. Zuelzer is a clinical associate professor of surgery in the VCU School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, where he teaches residents, fellows and medical students. He also serves as chair of the department’s Quality Care Committee, helping to oversee patient safety and quality care initiatives.

Dr. Zuelzer earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering science and mechanics from Virginia Tech before completing his medical degree at the VCU School of Medicine, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Kentucky, followed by fellowship training in orthopedic traumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He also completed the AO Trauma North America Jack McDaniel Memorial Fellowship in Switzerland. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Outside of work, Dr. Zuelzer enjoys spending time with his wife — a fellow physician at VCU — along with their three children and extended family.