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My name is Joe Mellberg, I moved to Fort Worth in 2019 to attend TCU and graduated with a degree in biochemistry. Now I'm a third-year medical student at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU and serve as Chief of Students at the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. I first discovered medicine while working with the Marin County Search and Rescue team, but orthopedics made it stick. Seeing family members and patients go from sidelined by injury to back on the field scoring the game-winning goal, or back in the yard tending their flowerbeds, showed me how directly this specialty helps people return to what they love. I joined the THK Foundation because I was drawn to its collaborative community. Now, as Chief of Students, I help strengthen it by connecting students with research and educational opportunities and making sure they have the support to explore their interests in orthopedics.

My name is Carl Berghult, and I have the privilege of serving as the Chief of Education at the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, I grew up as one of four boys and went on to attend Texas Christian University, where I majored in Biology. I am currently a medical student at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU, working toward my goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. I’m enthusiastic about the growth and collaboration happening within the THK Foundation and am especially excited to contribute to the education department as it continues to expand. I look forward to helping students deepen their musculoskeletal knowledge and ultimately become more capable, confident physicians. My passion for orthopedic surgery stems from its powerful ability to restore function and meaningfully improve patients’ quality of life.

My name is Omar Badr, and I am the Chief of Research at the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. I am originally from Los Angeles, California and I completed my undergraduate education at UCLA.  I am currently a third-year medical student at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. My passion for orthopedic surgery was inspired by personal experiences with orthopedic injuries and has grown through a deep appreciation for musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, and the opportunity to restore patients’ mobility and function. Throughout medical school, I have remained actively involved in orthopedic research, with projects spanning clinical outcomes, health policy, and medical education. THK has provided an incredible opportunity to further develop my research skills while learning from exceptional faculty mentors and collaborating with talented medical students who share a passion for orthopedics. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Research and look forward to fostering meaningful research opportunities, mentoring fellow students, and advancing the mission of the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation.

My name is George VanVeckhoven, and I am an Assistant Chief of Research at the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. I grew up in rural Alabama and attended the University of Florida for college. While there, I earned a degree in Mathematics, where I learned how to analyze data, and I gained an appreciation for the research process and how it can shape the way we approach clinical decision making. I am now a second-year medical student at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU. Having played sports throughout my life and wanting to provide mobility and function to others, orthopedics has always been a natural fit. My work with the THK Foundation has strengthened my interest in the field by allowing me to contribute to orthopedic research and learn from those advancing patient care. I am excited to continue growing in this role and collaborating with others who share a passion for orthopedics.

My name is Matthew Chang, and I am the Assistant Chief of Education at the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. Originally from Orlando, Florida, I attended Johns Hopkins University, where I played baseball and earned my degree in biophysics. Here, I witnessed countless teammates work their way back from injury, with some never being able to return to their pre-injury level of performance. In my opinion, there are few experiences more frustrating than no longer being able to function at a level that once came naturally. As a result, the ability to restore function and improve patients’ quality of life is what drew me to orthopaedics. At the Foundation, I look forward to working alongside colleagues who share the same passion for advancing their knowledge in orthopaedics, with the goal of one day providing our own patients with the highest quality care and the best possible outcomes.

My name is Morgan Bertrand, and I am the Assistant Chief of Research at the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. Originally from San Diego, I have called Fort Worth home for the past seven years. I graduated from TCU with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Master of Science in Biology, and I am currently a second-year medical student at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. My interest in orthopedics began after experiencing two ACL tears, and that interest has continued to grow through exposure to the profound impact orthopedic care has on patients' quality of life. My involvement with the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation has been an invaluable experience, providing exceptional educational opportunities, meaningful mentorship, and hands-on exposure to orthopedic research.

My name is Kenny Thai, and I am honored to serve as the Chief of Events for the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. I am originally from Houston, Texas, and I am currently a third-year osteopathic medical student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNT Health Fort Worth. Before medical school, I served five years in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation life support systems technician, where I developed a strong appreciation for teamwork, leadership, and mission-focused service. Following my military service, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Houston. My interest in orthopedic surgery began after shadowing an orthopedic surgeon in high school and grew from my background as a helicopter technician, where I enjoyed working with my hands and using tools. After participating in a total knee arthroplasty procedure with THK, I could not see myself pursuing anything else. As Chief of Events, I look forward to helping create meaningful opportunities for students.

My name is Emma Ellis Dean, and I serve as the Assistant Chief of Events for the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas and I earned my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University, where I was also a student-athlete on the Track & Field and Cross Country Teams. I am currently a second-year medical student at UNT Health Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. I am also a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, with aspirations of pursuing orthopedic surgery in the military. My passion for orthopedic surgery developed through personal experience with athletic injuries and mentorship from great orthopedic surgeons. I am passionate about helping people return to the activities they love, and I value teamwork and the hands-on nature of the field.I am grateful for the research opportunities, mentorship, and community I have found through THK. I am excited to serve alongside our leadership team this year and help make future students’ experiences as amazing as my own.

My name is Michael Critelli, I'm an OMS-III at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. A native of Houston, I completed my undergraduate studies at Baylor University. Before medical school, I gained experience working as a paramedic, responding to emergency calls and assisting patients in the Emergency Room. My interest in orthopedics is rooted in lifelong passion for sports and athletics, developing a deep appreciation for musculoskeletal function, biomechanics, and the process of physical recovery. I'm looking forward to serving students of THK, aiming to connect and support future leaders in the field of orthopedics. In my free time, I enjoy cooking with my wife, playing with our dog, and rooting for the Baylor Bears in all athletic contests. Sic ‘em!

My name is Claire Clark, and I serve as the Chair of Alumni and Networking for the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. I was born in Fort Worth, grew up in Dallas, and returned to Fort Worth to earn my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at TCU. After graduating, I spent three years conducting clinical research at Scottish Rite for Children before enrolling at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU, where I am currently a second-year medical student. My interest in orthopaedics began with my own sports-related injuries, and my years in pediatric sports medicine research solidified my passion for the field. The Texas Hip and Knee Foundation has played a meaningful role in my education and professional development by providing opportunities for research and mentorship, further strengthening my passion for orthopaedic surgery.

My name is Ryan Dennett, and I am the Chair of Fundraising and Sponsorship at the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. I am originally from Texas and earned my degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Before medical school, I worked as a tooling engineer for a manufacturing company, where I worked on the development and production of products across the medical device, automotive, and electronics industries. This experience began my interest in orthopedic surgery and inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. I am currently a second-year medical student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.I joined THK because of their orthopedic mentorship, education, and research opportunities. Over the past year, it has been a great pleasure to work alongside like-minded students who share a passion for advancing orthopedic care. My favorite part of THK has been the supportive environment that encourages students to become involved in meaningful ways, including research, fracture clinics, and socials to connect with other students. As Chair of Fundraising and Sponsorship, I look forward to developing partnerships that support our educational initiatives, research opportunities, and future events while continuing to grow within the orthopedic community.

​My name is Kendall Miller, and I am the Chair of Social Media at the Texas Hip and Knee Foundation. I was born and raised in Texas and spent four years at Texas A&M University in College Station, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Public Health. I am a second year DO student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNT Health. I was first drawn into orthopedics while shadowing an orthopedic surgeon, where I experienced firsthand the transformative impact of restoring a patient’s mobility and quality of life. I’m excited to serve as the Chair of Social Media for THK, and to use this role to highlight the organization’s mission, showcase research and educational opportunities, and connect pre-med and medical students with the resources, mentorship, and experiences THK has to offer.