Clanton Rockets to the Top of Team Health Care

Thomas O. Clanton, M.D.

Thomas O. Clanton, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, has been named the lead team physician for the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

“It is an honor to be selected as the lead team physician for the Houston Rockets. They are a championship organization with some of the best athletes in the world,” Clanton said. “They should expect the best medical care available, and we will be providing that through the partnership between Memorial Hermann Hospital and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.” Memorial Hermann Healthcare System has become the official health care partner for the Rockets, the Houston Comets and the Houston Aeros.

“Our faculty members, including both full-time and clinical volunteer faculty in medicine and orthopaedic surgery, will be providing the necessary medical care for the players and their families, as well as for other members of the Rockets’ organization,” Clanton said.

Clanton, who holds the Edward T. Smith, M.D., Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery, specializes in the treatment of foot, ankle and knee injuries and serves as the university’s director for fellowship programs in Foot and Ankle and Sports Medicine. He also directs the orthopaedic department at Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Since the early 1980s, when he began his orthopaedic practice, he has had a keen interest in sports medicine. He is the co-team physician for Rice University’s athletic programs and a team orthopaedic doctor for the Houston Texans.

By Meredith Raine, Public Affairs