L. Nathan Gause, M.D., MBA

Biography

L. Nathan Gause MD, MBA is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery and an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, where he also serves as Vice Chair of Clinical Operations for the department and Chair of the Council for Inclusive Excellence for the SOM. He completed his residency at the University of Cincinnati and fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery at the Campbell Clinic (UT Memphis).

At University Health, Dr. Gause is the Medical Director of Health Equity and Chief Population Health and Patient Experience Officer, leading initiatives to improve patient outcomes, reduce health disparities, and advance value-based care. He earned his MBA from the UMKC Bloch School of Management, further strengthening his expertise in healthcare leadership, operations, and strategy.

Dr. Gause is active in medical education, teaching residents and students in both clinical and classroom settings. He has developed curriculum on the business of medicine and health equity, serves on the Clinical Competency Committee, and mentors through the UMKC Bloch School of Management’s LEAD Scholars program. His research interests include ankle arthritis, surgical outcomes in foot and ankle reconstruction, and the influence of social drivers of health on musculoskeletal care.

Professional Organizations:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS):
  • Communications Committee
  • Health Care Systems Committee
  • Orthopaedic In-Training Exam (OITE) Item Review Committee
  • Board of Specialty Societies (BOS) Liaison – J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society Representative
• J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society (JRGOS):
  • Board of Directors
  • Nominating Committee
  • Resident Support & Success (RSS) Committee
  • Mentorship Committee (Chair, 2023–2024)
  • Co-chair, Foundations of Orthopaedic Surgery Symposium Committee
  • Finance Committee
• BioNexus KC: Population Health Committee
• Digital Health KC: Advisory Board
• Other Leadership & Service: Active faculty mentor for UMKC Bloch School of Business LEAD Scholars program

Research Interests:

• Ankle arthritis and reconstruction
• Surgical outcomes in foot & ankle surgery
• Social drivers of health in musculoskeletal care
• Health equity in orthopaedics and population health