Dr. Michael J. Oechsel has been practicing as a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with California Orthopedics & Spine for the last 25 years. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California, graduating magna cum laude and was elected Phi Beta Kappa. As an extension of his studies at USC, Dr. Oechsel traveled to England and studied as a Cambridge University Scholar. After that, he earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Oechsel then returned to his alma mater, USC, to complete his surgical internship and orthopedic surgical residency, which included the position as Chief Resident. During his time as a resident, he completed an orthopedic & sports medicine surgical rotation at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic, which gave him the opportunity to work with professional athletes playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams. Dr. Oechsel has continued to pursue his passion for sports medicine outside of the operating room by working with professional golfers at multiple venues, including the United States Open Championship.
Dr. Oechsel has conducted an array of research on various subjects which has been published in a national orthopedic journal and has presented related research at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery’s annual meeting. He has also co-authored manuals on arthroscopy care and has taught as an instructor in courses covering orthopedic surgical technique and anatomy.
Dr. Oechsel maintains hospital privileges at multiple locations including MarinHealth Medical Center and Kentfield Rehabilitation and Specialty Hospital. He has served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Orthopedics at Marin General Hospital. Dr. Oechsel has been recognized by his peers at as both a Marin Top Doctor and a San Francisco Super Doctor.
Dr. Oechsel believes in the nonoperative treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and aids many patients can achieve optimal results with this approach. At the same time, he utilizes up-to-date surgical techniques when surgery is necessary. He believes in keeping his patients well informed about their diagnoses and encourages his patient’s participation in their own care.
Dr. Oechsel’s CV
Education
- 1985 National Institute of Health/National Cancer Institute
Bethesda, Maryland - Surgical Externship
1981–1985 Georgetown University School of Medicine
Washington, D.C. - Doctor of Medicine, 1985
1981 Cambridge University Scholar
Cambridge, England
Cambridge University, Kings College - 1977–1981 University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA, B.A., Chemistry, 1981
Internship
- 1985–1986 Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
Surgical Internship
Residency
- 1986–1990 Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA
Orthopedic Surgical Resident - 1989 Kerlan-Jobe Clinic
Los Angeles, CA
Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgical Rotation
Boards, Academies, Licensure, and Certification
- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Certified, Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1992
- Re-certified, Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2002
- Re-certified, Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2012
- Medical License, State of California
- Board of Medical Quality Assurance
- Physician’s and Surgeon’s Certificate
- Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners
- Qualified Medical Examiner (QME)
- State of California
- Independent Medical Examiner (IME)
Reserach Projects & Publications
- Knee Arthroscopy Treating Your Knee Problem – The Stay Well Company, Krames, 2000, 2007
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Following Closed Reduction of Congenital Dislocation of Hip
- Palm Thorn Injury to the Hand
- Treatment of Complete Acromioclavicular Dislocation – A Literature Review
- Treatment of Open Tibia Fractures with Soft Tissue Defects Clinical Orthopedics & Related Research
Faculty
- Current Issues of MRI in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
A National Symposium 2008 - American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery
Local Committee, Annual Meeting, 2004 - American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery
Local Committee, Annual Meeting, 2001 - Surgical Techniques Course, AO/ASIF
Los Angeles, 1993
Awards
- Best Orthopedic Surgeon
Pacific Sun Newspaper
Best of Marin, 2017 - Bay Area Top Physicians, February 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
For Peer Recognition
Published in Marin Magazine - San Francisco Super Doctors, 2012
For peer recognition and professional achievement
Published in the San Francisco Chronicle - Outstanding Orthopaedic Resident, LA County,
USC Department of Orthopaedics - Elected to Phi Beta Kappa in Junior year, USC
- Graduated magna cum laude, USC
- National Academic Scholarship Award Winner, Phi Kappa Psi
Affliations
- Marin General Hospital, Active Staff, 1990–present
- Kentfield Rehabilitation Hospital, Active Staff, 1990–present
- Rafael Hospital, Orthopedic Medical Director, 2011–2015
- Chief of Surgery, Marin General Hospital, 1999–2003
- Chief of Orthopedics, Marin General Hospital, 1995–1999
- Marin General Hospital, Trauma Committee, Orthopedic Liaison, 2006–2010
- Team Physician, Dominican University, 1992
- Chief Executive Officer, Mt Tam Orthopedics, 2010–2013
- Team Physician, Crenshaw High School Football Team, 1990
- Steering Committee for Orthopaedic Residency, LA County/USC Medical Center
- Student Financial Aid Committee Chairman, Georgetown University
- Curriculum Committee, Policy Advisory Committee, Georgetown University
Volunteer Activities
- Marin Community Clinic, 2016–2017
Marin County, CA
Orthopedic Consultant - Global Medical Brigades, 2017
Nicaragua
Physician Supervisor
University of Wisconsin Chapter - Global Medical Brigades, 2013
Honduras
Physician Supervisor
University of Southern California Chapter - World Golf Championship, Match Play, 2015
Medical Committee
Harding Park, San Francisco, California - Charles Schwab Cup Championship, 2013
Champions Tour / PGA Tour
Medical Committee
Harding Park, San Francisco, California - United States Open Championship, 2012
United States Golf Association
Medical Committee
Olympic Club, San Francisco, California - Presidents Cup, 2009
PGA Tour
Medical Committee
Harding Park Golf Club, San Francisco, California - United States Amateur Championship, 2007
United States Golf Association
Medical Committee
Olympic Club, San Francisco, California - Charles Schwab Cup Championship, 2010
Champions Tour/PGA Tour
Medical Committee
Harding Park, San Francisco, California - United States Open Championship, 2010
United States Golf Association
Pebble Beach, California - United States Open Championship, 2008
United States Golf Association
Torrey Pines, San Diego, California - Pac-10 Mens Golf Championship, 2008
Meadow Club, Marin County, California - United States Open Championship, 2000
United States Golf Association
Pebble Beach, California - United States Open Championship, 1992
United States Golf Association
Pebble Beach, California