Building the Future of Orthopedic Care
Pictured left to right are Clayton Thor, MD, John Green, MD, Kellen Huston, MD, Ranjan Gupta, MD, Olivia Rice, MD, Thay Lee, PhD and Nicholas Wischmeier, MD. This dedicated group of CHI Health orthopedic surgeons is at the forefront of advancing medicine, bringing specialized expertise and innovation to patients across the region.
The future is brighter for people dealing with joint pain, sports injuries and other bone and muscle conditions as a new vision for orthopedic care takes shape in Omaha.
“This is an exciting time because orthopedic care is entering a period of rapid transformation,” said Ranjan Gupta, MD, CHI Health Medical Director of Orthopedic Surgery and Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Creighton University.
“It’s driven by rapid advances in surgical techniques, biomechanics, biologics, imaging, robotics and a deeper understanding of how the body heals.”
Under Dr. Gupta’s direction, the Orthopedic Center at CHI Health Lakeside will bring together the most advanced and comprehensive care, research, education, and innovation – all under one roof – building upon the extensive orthopedic care CHI Health offers across Nebraska and Iowa.
The new 50,000-square-foot Orthopedic Center is designed to serve as a regional anchor for highly specialized joint, bone and muscle care – providing the advanced services found at academic medical centers like CHI Health.
“The vision is to build a nationally connected orthopedic program capable of elevating orthopedic care throughout the region, while delivering an exceptional patient experience close to home,” Dr. Gupta said.
Thoughtfully Designed for Complete Care
From the first appointment through recovery, the Orthopedic Center is designed to make care more coordinated and convenient for patients.
As a comprehensive destination, it brings together advanced diagnostics, surgical care, rehabilitation, and specialty services in one coordinated environment.
Patients undergoing joint replacement surgery are paired with a dedicated orthopedic nurse navigator who helps coordinate care – from preoperative preparations through recovery.
Recovering comfortably at home – when medically appropriate – is possible with specialized recovery pathways, same-day discharge options and a team that stays closely connected to each patient.
In addition to joint replacement and sports medicine services, Dr. Gupta envisions more specialized programs for the Orthopedic Center.
Efforts on the horizon include after-hours orthopedic urgent care, a bone health and fracture program for osteoporosis prevention, an infusion center for IV therapies to strengthen bones and a clinic for complex bone and soft tissue tumor care.
“At the end of the day, our responsibility is to create a system that connects patients to comprehensive orthopedic care in a coordinated and thoughtful way,” Dr. Gupta said. “That includes not only surgery, but also prevention, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term bone, joint and muscle health.”
Advancing Tomorrow’s Care with Research and Education
Better care starts with better understanding. A defining component of the CHI Health Orthopedic Center is its commitment to research, biomechanics and education.
“Clinical care and research should not exist separately,” said Dr. Gupta. “When surgeons, scientists and engineers work together, it speeds innovation and ultimately improves outcomes for patients.”
A state-of-the-art biomechanics laboratory at the Orthopedic Center is among a limited number in the country with broad multi-joint research capabilities.
It supports collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, engineers, researchers, and international visiting scholars – all focused on improving surgical techniques and advancing the science of bone, joint and muscle care.
Pioneering tomorrow’s treatments today, Dr. Ranjan Gupta and Dr. Thay Q. Lee diligently study a shoulder model in CHI Health’s state-of-the-art biomechanics lab. Their dedication to research and innovation is establishing CHI Health as a leader in orthopedic care for patients locally and beyond.
The Orthopedic Center is also actively developing clinical trial infrastructure that will connect patients in Omaha with emerging orthopedic technologies, biologic therapies and investigational treatments.
In partnership with the Creighton University School of Medicine, the Orthopedic Center will also launch a new orthopedic surgery residency program in June 2026 — helping train the next generation of orthopedic surgeons while strengthening the long-term future of care in the region.
“Education matters because culture matters,” Dr. Gupta said. “When you create an environment centered around learning, discipline, innovation, and patient care, it elevates everything around it.”
Team Built Around Specialization
The Orthopedic Center has assembled a team of orthopedic specialists selected for their commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, research, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Gupta is internationally recognized for his work in complex nerve injury and reconstruction, including advanced nerve transfer procedures performed at only a limited number of centers nationally. These highly specialized procedures can restore movement and function for patients with devastating nerve injuries.
Joining him is Thay Q. Lee, MS, PhD, a globally recognized scientist and educator in orthopedic biomechanics whose research contributions have influenced shoulder surgery techniques used around the world today.
Together, their vision for the Orthopedic Center is to create a destination orthopedic program — one that brings together clinical care, education, research, and innovation at the highest level.
“Everything ultimately comes back to the patient,” Dr. Gupta said. “The question we continue asking ourselves is simple: Are we building something that genuinely improves people’s lives? That is what guides every decision we make.”
Ready to Experience Expert Orthopedic Care?
The Orthopedic Center at CHI Health Lakeside, located at 168th and West Center Road, is opening in July and now scheduling appointments. Explore our team of orthopedic surgery providers.