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Christian Pean

Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Office hours Wednesdays, 7:30AM-4PM  

Overview


Dr. Christian Péan holds an academic appointment in the Department of Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine, with a secondary core faculty position at the Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy. Dr. Péan is also Associate Residency Program Director for the esteemed Duke University School of Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, a role that reflects his passion for medical education. His clinical expertise centers on fracture care and arthroplasty encompassing a broad range of procedures such as total and conversion hip replacements for fracture and posttraumatic hip arthritis, direct anterior hip replacement, shoulder replacement and reconstruction, and the management of traumatic conditions such as proximal humerus fractures, ankle fractures, fracture-related infection, humerus nonunion repair, periprosthetic fracture fixation, and pelvis and acetabulum reconstruction.

Dr. Péan’s research is multifaceted and addresses critical issues in orthopedic surgery and health policy. His work explores the use of large datasets, policy strategies, and clinical practice innovation to address health related social needs and racial health inequity in Orthopaedic surgery. An integral part of his research interest lies in the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence in risk prediction of surgical outcomes. Dr. Péan has championed systems to screen patients for health related social needs (HRSNs) and to address racial disparities through the coordination of resources for surgical patients with housing instability, transportation access issues, and food insecurity. He also has a strong interest in developing and implementing large language models designed to reduce bias, improve clinician workflow, and enhance patient engagement,  key elements in promoting health equity within the field of orthopedic surgery.  He is a leader in policy advocacy and development with a focus on equity-conscious condition based bundles and social risk adjustment in specialty care alternate payment models.

A physician innovator, Dr. Péan is also Co-founder of the artificial intelligence health company Azra Care, an equity-conscious AI company that champions transitions to Value-Based Care (VBC) in Specialty Care with a focus on orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal health. Azra Care is guided by physicians and community leaders committed to shifting the current paradigm of healthcare to improve outcomes for patients while combating clinician burnout. 

A published author, Dr. Péan's works delve into subjects such as racial disparities in orthopedic  surgery, health services research, social determinants of health, and clinical ethics. He is also focused on the development of VBC systems to address the cost burden associated with orthopedic trauma and total joint arthroplasty surgery. His academic contributions underpin his commitment to advancing patient care, surgical excellence, and addressing health equity in orthopedic surgery.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery · 2022 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Science Departments
Core Faculty Member, Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy · 2023 - Present Duke - Margolis Center For Health Policy, Initiatives

Education, Training & Certifications


Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · 2016 M.D.