Dr. Brian Houng, our first foot and ankle surgery fellow, was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. His love for fitness, basketball, and interest in sports medicine led him to major in human biology at the University of California San Diego. He then completed his medical school education in Chicago, Illinois, where he graduated at the top of his class. Dr. Houng then completed a comprehensive surgical residency training program at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, a nationally recognized level-1 trauma center. During his final year of residency, he served as Chief Resident for his program under the directorship of Dr. Christopher Hyer. a nationally known fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon. On his free time, Dr. Houng enjoys working out, playing basketball, and eating good food with good company.

What is a fellowship?

A Fellowship is the period of medical training that a physician may undertake after completing a specialty training program (residency). A fellowship usually lasts at least one year and during this time, the physician is known as a fellow. Fellows can act as an attending or consulting physician in the field in which they were trained. The purpose of a fellowship is to specialize and master a specific area of medicine or surgery and to become an expert in that field. Being “Fellowship Trained” indicates the physician or surgeon has shown the highest level of dedication to their field and has achieved the highest level of training.

Why did I choose to do a fellowship?

I chose to do a fellowship not only because of my desire to obtain the highest level of training in foot and ankle surgery, but also because of my commitment to provide the best medical and surgical care possible. I humbly believe that in medicine, there is always more to learn and completing a one-year fellowship in advanced reconstructive foot and ankle surgery will undoubtedly give me the additional experience, confidence, and expertise to treat my future patients with the utmost care that they deserve. Furthermore, obtaining fellowship training and learning from the current leaders in our specialty has inspired me to one day pay it forward. I’ve been so fortunate to have had such amazing mentors throughout my medical journey that I feel a responsibility to be a part of the education for future generations. And lastly, I chose to do a fellowship because it has given me the opportunity to make irreplaceable connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Why fellowship at the Washington Orthopaedic Center (WOC)?

I chose the Washington Orthopaedic Center to do my foot and ankle surgical fellowship for a multitude of reasons. Fellowship Director, Dr. Michael Dujela, is a world-renowned, orthopedic fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeon who teaches globally and is passionate about education. His leadership and accolades speak for themselves as he has chaired and held multiple organizational leadership positions and participated in numerous national and international foot and ankle surgery conferences. Moreover, his surgical and clinical expertise, along with the surgical volume, diversity, and complexity at WOC, allows for the opportunity to produce one of the best and well-rounded fellowship programs in the country. From a surgical standpoint, I can think of no better place to obtain my fellowship training. Lastly, what stands out to me more than the pristine surgical results are the core values that Dr. Dujela and WOC emphasize on a daily basis. From their bedside manner to their high ethical standards, they are committed and devoted to delivering the highest quality, compassionate orthopedic care.