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A Fellowship Worth Traveling For: Dr. Julia Kirby’s Experience at Scottish Rite for Children

A Fellowship Worth Traveling For: Dr. Julia Kirby’s Experience at Scottish Rite for Children

by | Aug 24, 2026 | Sports Medicine

For physicians pursuing pediatric sports medicine, the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at Scottish Rite for Children offers concentrated clinical experience, research opportunities and mentorship designed to prepare the next generation of specialists. 

FRISCO, Texas (Aug 24, 2026) — Julia Kirby, MBBS, MSpMed, FRACS, FAOrthA, traveled from Melbourne, Australia, to complete the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at Scottish Rite for Children in 2021. She arrived seeking advanced experience in pediatric and adolescent sports medicine and returned home with knowledge, research experience and professional relationships that continue to shape her career. 

Today, Kirby is an orthopedic sports surgeon with a thriving private practice in Melbourne, specializing in sports injuries, joint preservation and complex knee surgery. She also holds public appointments at Austin Health and The Royal Children’s Hospital and has expertise in pediatric and adolescent knee conditions. 

“The most beneficial element of my fellowship was having the opportunity to work with and learn from Dr. Wilson and Dr. Ellis and their exceptional teams,” Kirby said. “Seeing a high volume of rare conditions managed by this team was invaluable, and I was fortunate to bring these skills back to my Australian practice.” 

Henry B. Ellis, M.D., serves as program director of the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at Scottish Rite, and Philip L. Wilson, M.D., serves as associate program director. 

Scottish Rite Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellows participate in the evaluation, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation of children and adolescents with sports-related conditions. The region’s extensive youth sports programs provide exposure to athletes competing at many levels and stages of physical development. 

For fellows, this setting creates experience with a broad range of pediatric and adolescent sports injuries and competitive demands. It also reinforces a central responsibility of pediatric sports medicine: helping young athletes return to the activities they value while protecting continued growth, long term joint health and lifelong mobility. 

“The volume and variety of cases deepened my understanding of the important differences between treating sports injuries in growing children and treating similar conditions in adults,” Kirby said. “For physicians committed to pediatric sports medicine, I strongly recommend the fellowship because it provides the clinical experience, mentorship and research opportunities needed to build expertise and confidence in caring for young athletes.” 

Growth plates remain open, bones and joints continue to develop, and an intervention during childhood may affect alignment, mobility and joint health for years. Fellows receive high-volume clinical exposure, individualized mentorship and meaningful responsibility. Adult sports medicine rotations through UT Southwestern provide broader operative experience while the fellowship offers a uniquely high volume of complex and common cases in active youth athletes. 

Research With International Reach 

Kirby gained experience connecting questions from patient care with research. During the fellowship, she contributed to studies involving patellofemoral instability, in which the kneecap moves outside its normal position. 

One study coauthored by Kirby examined 279 children and adolescents. Researchers found valgus, or knock-kneed, alignment in approximately 60% of affected knees, including more pronounced alignment in nearly one in four. The findings help physicians assess whether alignment contributes to recurring instability and plan treatment that accounts for growth. 

Kirby also contributed to research involving medial patellofemoral ligament or (MPFL) reconstruction in children with open growth plates. The study found that a growth-conscious technique could restore stability without affecting normal leg length or alignment, addressing how to treat instability while protecting development. 

Since returning to Australia, Kirby has continued research involving ACL reconstruction and postoperative outcomes. As a member of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society, or PRiSM, she participates in international research focused on tibial spine fractures and meniscal conditions. 

“The Scottish Rite Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship gave me the clinical experience and research foundation to turn questions from the exam room into evidence that can improve care for children well beyond a single patient,” Kirby said. 

Professional Relationships That Endure 

Kirby remains in contact with faculty to discuss surgical techniques and complex cases, and she reconnects with physicians and researchers through PRiSM and professional meetings. At the 2026 PRiSM Annual Meeting in Austin, she presented an Australian perspective during an international panel on pediatric sports medicine. 

“Julia brought intellectual curiosity, strong clinical judgment and a clear commitment to improving care for young athletes throughout her fellowship,” Ellis said. “Her success as a surgeon, researcher and international presenter reflects her expertise and commitment to the field.” 

Shaping the Future of Sports Medicine 

The fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and recognized by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, important marks of its educational structure and standards. For prospective fellows, Kirby’s path from Melbourne to Frisco, Texas, and back demonstrates the program’s reach: specialized pediatric training, research experience and mentorship that can support a career anywhere in the world. 

Learn more about fellowship training at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center and click here to apply. To explore Dr. Kirby’s research, see the links below: 

Reducing ACL Reinjury Risk: Dr. Henry Ellis Discusses Advances in ACL Surgery

Reducing ACL Reinjury Risk: Dr. Henry Ellis Discusses Advances in ACL Surgery

by | Aug 14, 2026 | General News, Press Coverage, Research & Innovation, Sports Medicine

Henry B. Ellis, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon and medical director of clinical research at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, recently joined the Sports Docs Podcast to discuss evolving approaches to ACL reconstruction and how they may help reduce the risk of reinjury in young athletes.

Recorded at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, the episode featured Dr. Ellis alongside sports medicine physician Bonnie P. Gregory, M.D., of UTHealth Houston. The conversation focused on lateral extra-articular procedures, which can be performed in addition to traditional ACL reconstruction to provide additional stability to the knee and reduce the risk of another ACL injury.

Dr. Ellis explained that young, active athletes, particularly those returning to sports that require frequent cutting and pivoting, may be among those who benefit from the additional procedure. Surgeons also consider factors such as an athlete’s anatomy, activity level and history of ACL injury when determining the best treatment approach.

“As soon as you talk to the families and the parents and the athlete themselves and you say this could decrease your recurrent injury rate by half, it’s a no-brainer,” Dr. Ellis said.

The conversation also explored what the procedure may mean for rehabilitation and return to sports. Dr. Ellis shared findings from Scottish Rite’s research registry of about 6,000 ACL cases, which showed no difference in knee stiffness between patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with or without the additional procedure.

Back-to-School Tips: Fueling Young Athletes for the School Day

Back-to-School Tips: Fueling Young Athletes for the School Day

by | Aug 7, 2026 | Sports Medicine

The first few weeks back to school tend to catch families off guard. Busy schedules mean balancing early mornings, classes, homework and sports practices. For young athletes, proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep play a major role when it comes to performing well in the classroom and in sports.

Jane S. Chung, M.D., a sports medicine physician at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco, Texas, shares the following tips to help young athletes stay healthy throughout the school year.  

 

Fuel throughout the day 

Young athletes need consistent energy to support their growing bodies and active lifestyles. Skipping meals or going too long without eating can lead to energy crashes, poor concentration and decreased athletic performance. 

Instead of relying on one or two large meals, encourage your athlete to eat three to four balanced meals each day with two to three healthy snacks between meals.

Healthy grab-and-go snack ideas 

When you’re short on time, keep nutritious snacks on hand, such as: 

  • Fruit smoothies 
  • Apples with nut butter 
  • Greek yogurt with sliced strawberries 
  • Homemade trail mix with almonds, cereal and dark chocolate chips 
  • Carrots and hummus 

For athletes, it is important to fuel before, during and after workouts.

Build a balanced plate 

Every meal is an opportunity to provide your athlete with the nutrients they need to grow.  

Aim to include a variety of:

    • Colorful fruits and vegetables: red, orange, and dark green vegetables and legumes 
    • Whole grains: brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-wheat bread and pasta 
    • Lean protein: eggs, chicken, fish, lean meats, tofu and beans 
    • Dairy: milk, yogurt and cheese 
    • Healthy fats: avocado, nuts and seeds 

    Stay hydrated 

    Hydration plays a major role in keeping young athletes healthy, focused and performing at their best. 

    For most children, water is the best choice throughout the day.

    However, young athletes participating in training lasting longer than one hour or exercising in the heat for 45 to 60 minutes should consume sports drinks or electrolyte replacements along with water to help avoid dehydration.  

    Prioritize quality sleep 

    Nutrition fuels the body, but sleep is when the body recovers.  

    Your teen should aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep, while younger school-age children require more sleep.   

    Adequate, high-quality sleep supports:

    • Growth and development 
    • Mood and emotional well-being 
    • Academic performance 
    • Athletic performance 
    • Behavior and cognitive function 

    Tips for better sleep 

    Help your child build healthy sleep habits by:

      • Creating a dark, quiet and cool sleeping environment 
      • Removing electronic devices from the bedroom 
      • Limiting screen time before bed to reduce blue light exposure, which inhibits the body’s natural production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep 
      • Establishing a bedtime routine by listening to calming music, reading a book and avoiding highly stimulating activities 
      • Keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule 
      • Avoiding exercise before bed

      The back-to-school season is the perfect time to reinforce healthy routines that help young athletes thrive. “I encourage young athletes and families to focus on fueling, hydration, rest and recovery for a successful school year both in the classroom and on the field!”, says Chung. By eating frequent, balanced meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep, young athletes can build the foundation they need to succeed in sports, school and beyond!

      The 70/30 Approach to Keep Young Athletes in the Game

      The 70/30 Approach to Keep Young Athletes in the Game

      by | Jul 30, 2026 | Sports Medicine

      The right mix of practice and performance training can help keep young athletes in the game, according to Henry B. Ellis, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco, Texas. 

      During a recent Texas Orthopaedic Association discussion on sports medicine, orthopedic experts from across Texas came together to provide educational resources and practical guidance for athletes, parents and coaches. Ellis shared two key strategies for helping young athletes reduce their risk of injury and return to play safely. 

      The first strategy, Ellis said, is following a 70/30 approach to training. 

      “About 70% of training should be focused on your sport, while the other 30% should be dedicated to performance and strength training,” Ellis said. “Preparing your body to play is an important part of staying healthy and performing your best.” 

      His second piece of advice focused on returning to play after an injury.  

      “Returning to play is not black and white,” Ellis said. “It’s not simply receiving a note that says you’re cleared. It’s a gray area that requires a progressive return to sport to reduce the risk of another injury.” 

      Rather than viewing medical clearance as the finish line, Ellis emphasized the importance of gradually increasing activity while monitoring how an athlete responds before returning to their previous level of play.  

      Scottish Rite’s multidisciplinary sports medicine team supports young athletes through every stage of recovery, combining orthopedic care, rehabilitation, performance training and return-to-play guidance to help patients safely return to the sports they love.  

      Athletes who want personalized guidance on applying these principles can schedule a movement assessment at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Frisco. The evaluation assesses movement, strength and biomechanics and provides individualized recommendations to help athletes learn where to focus their training to improve performance and reduce their risk of injury and stay in the game. To schedule an appointment, call 469-515-7160. 

      Inspired by His Own Care, Dr. Kutschke Returns to Scottish Rite for Children as a Fellow

      Inspired by His Own Care, Dr. Kutschke Returns to Scottish Rite for Children as a Fellow

      by | Jul 9, 2026 | Sports Medicine

      Young physicians from across the country pursue Scottish Rite for Children as a premier destination for advanced orthopedic fellowship training. For Michael Kutschke, M.D., a fellow in the recently accredited Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, the experience is especially meaningful. His connection to Scottish Rite began years earlier as a patient, a time that left a lasting impression and shaped his path back to the institution.

      Kutschke was referred to Scottish Rite for corrective elbow surgery and later returned as a high school athlete, this time requiring the orthopedic sports medicine expertise of pediatric orthopedic surgeon Philip L. Wilson, M.D. The care he received at Scottish Rite was formative in his decision to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery. As a UT Southwestern medical student, Kutschke gained valuable research experiences under the mentorship of Scottish Rite Director of the Center for Excellence in Hip Harry Kim, M.D., M.S. During one late night in the lab, Kutschke was introduced to Brittani Boukather, an evening volunteer. The brief encounter ultimately led to their marriage and the start of their young family.

      After completing orthopedic residency at Brown University, Kutschke reconnected with Scottish Rite to further his training in the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, led by Program Director Henry B. Ellis, M.D. This distinctive program is among only a few accredited subspecialty fellowships dedicated primarily to the orthopedic care of young athletes.

      “This is a full circle moment,” Wilson says, describing his reaction to Kutschke returning as a fellow. “If you are fortunate to spark interest in others and then have the opportunity to help educate them to become better than you are, that is the ultimate achievement.”

      “One forefront reason I was drawn to the fellowship is the leadership of Drs. Ellis and Wilson,” Kutschke says. “They are excellent surgeons, clinicians, researchers and mentors. Beyond that, they are invested in my life outside of work and even know my kids’ names — something that cannot be found in other programs.”

      Much of Kutschke’s research efforts align with his athletic background, which has influenced his collaboration with researchers in the Movement Science Lab in Frisco. His work developing a predictive model for adolescent anterior cruciate ligament injuries will be presented at the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America Annual Meeting this summer.

      “We are not just treating pediatric sports injuries, we are studying how they happen and how to prevent them,” Wilson says. “That is where the field is going, and Michael is right at the center of that effort in North Texas.”

      From the time he first encountered the scent of freshly popped popcorn as a patient, to the research projects that inadvertently led to the start of his family, and now returning to advance his career in orthopedic sports medicine, Scottish Rite has been a place of enduring connection for Kutschke. Since graduating from the fellowship, Kutschke will join the medical staff at Scottish Rite for Children as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, continuing the legacy of care and mentorship that shaped his career.

      “This place has been a part of my life for a really long time,” Kutschke says. “To come back in this role as a fellow is more than special. At Scottish Rite, I am constantly inspired by the greatness around me.”

      Scottish Rite for Children Researchers Explore Improved Return-to-Play Assessments for Youth Concussions

      Scottish Rite for Children Researchers Explore Improved Return-to-Play Assessments for Youth Concussions

      by | Jul 2, 2026 | Research & Innovation, Sports Medicine

      Researchers at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center’s Movement Science Lab and UT Southwestern Medical Center found that post-exercise gait and cognitive testing may provide a more accurate measure of concussion recovery in young athletes. Published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, the study found that physical exertion revealed subtle changes in walking patterns and cognitive function that may not be detected during standard concussion evaluations. 

      Between 1 million and 2 million children younger than 18 experience sports-related concussions each year in the United States. Those who return to physical activity too soon are at risk for prolonged recovery and increased musculoskeletal injuries due to lingering neurological deficits.

      Led by Section Director of Medical Sports Medicine and sports medicine physician Shane Miller, M.D., FAAP, and lead author Ashley Erdman, the pilot study examined whether gait analysis, combined with cognitive testing after exercise, could identify lingering neurological deficits in adolescents who had already been cleared to return to sports. Researchers found participants walked more slowly and took shorter steps following exertion, suggesting physical activity may reveal signs of incomplete recovery that symptom-based assessments alone can miss.

      “Our key finding is that even in adolescents who have been cleared after a concussion, physical exertion still reveals meaningful changes in cognition and function,” says Miller. “We may need to evaluate the brain in different ways when determining whether somebody has recovered and is ready to return to sports.”

      Additional Scottish Rite contributors included Senior Biomechanist and Movement Science Lab Manager Ashley Erdman, B.S., M.B.A.; Division Director of Movement Science Laboratory Sophia Ulman, Ph.D.; Bioengineer Alex Loewen, M.S.; sports medicine physicians Jacob Jones, M.D., and Jane S. Chung, M.D.; and Director of Clinical Research and Assistant Chief of Staff Henry Ellis, M.D.