Newswise — MAYWOOD, Il. -- Steve M. Gnatz, MD, MHA, director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Loyola University Medical Center, has been elected president of the U. S. Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI).

The global, multidisciplinary initiative focuses on improving the quality of life of people with bone and joint disorders, as well as research, prevention and education. Gnatz will be president 2013-2015.

Musculoskeletal [bone and joint] conditions cost an estimated $849 billion per year in the United States. Gnatz said he became aware of this enormous cost while working with the USBJI on its publication, The Burden of Musculoskeletal Disorders (available at http://www.boneandjointburden.org). Musculoskeletal disorders are the No. 1 cause of work disability.

Gnatz said that as president, he will have an opportunity to work with many diverse organizations committed to maximizing health and minimizing pain and disabilities associated with musculoskeletal disorders.

“By helping to provide better diagnosis, treatment, education, and support, USBJI is in a unique position to better the human condition," Gnatz said. “I look forward to being a part of that movement."

Gnatz went to medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and did his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor University College of Medicine. His special interests include musculoskeletal medicine, electrodiagnostic medicine and rehabilitation.

Gnatz came to Loyola in 2004. He is Division Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Medical Director, Rehabilitation – Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy.

He lives in Wheaton, Il.

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