Roy Meals

MD, Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UCLA, former Editor in Chief of the Journal of Hand Surgery. Dr. Meals attended Rice University, majored in biology, and gained an understanding and deep appreciation for the diversity and adaptations of animal life. In medical school at Vanderbilt University, he versed himself on the workings and failings of human tissues, especially bone. Orthopedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital gave Dr. Meals the opportunity to drill down, both literally and figuratively, on living bone. Following a hand surgery fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, he joined the faculty at UCLA where he is currently a Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery.

Along the way, he lived in Turkey for two years and took the opportunity to travel extensively in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. During these trips he expanded his interest in the historical and cultural aspects of bone. He continues to be an avid traveler and has discovered interesting information about bone on his visits to 48 states and 48 countries.

In addition to regularly teaching and speaking engagements, Dr. Meals has previously molded his interest in making difficult concepts approachable and comprehensible into two books: One Hundred Orthopedic Conditions Every Doctor Should Understand  and The Hand Owner’s Manual. A Hand Surgeon’s Thirty-Year Collection of Important Information and Fascinating Facts. He has also served as Editor in Chief of the Journal of Hand Surgery. His latest book is Muscle, The Gripping Story of Strength and Movement.