As we celebrate Doctor’s Day this March, it’s clear that the heart of Dell Children’s Medical Center lies in its extraordinary team of caregivers. Their commitment to family-centered care and their dedication to working as a unified team have earned national recognition, including a prestigious U.S. News & World Report ranking for the pediatric orthopedic program.
But for Dr. Hilton Gottschalk, a leading pediatric orthopedic surgeon, these achievements are about more than accolades—they’re a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose of the physicians and staff at Dell Children’s. “When a family comes to us, they aren’t just getting one provider—they’re getting an entire team,” Dr. Gottschalk explains. “From the moment they walk through our doors, every person involved in their care is focused on one goal: helping that child and supporting their family. We’re all in this together.”
Dr. Gottschalk’s passion for pediatric orthopedics began during a shadowing experience at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, where he saw firsthand the profound impact of compassionate care. “I fell in love with the kids, the families, and the sense of community among the medical team,” he recalls. That sense of community has been a defining part of his career at Dell Children’s.
For Dr. Gottschalk, orthopedic care isn’t just about restoring mobility—it’s about restoring hope. “Families come to us during some of the hardest moments of their lives,” he says. “Our role isn’t just to provide medical care. It’s to guide them, reassure them, and show them they’re not alone.”
Dr. Gottschalk’s own experience as a parent deepens his empathy. When his then-infant daughter was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and required emergency surgery soon after their family moved to Austin twelve years ago, he found himself on the other side of the patient experience. “Being in that position changes you,” he reflects. “You understand the fear, the questions, the uncertainty. It makes you even more determined to be the kind of doctor families can lean on.” That empathy and commitment to teamwork have become hallmarks of Dell Children’s Pediatric Orthopedic Program.
Making the Hardest Journeys a Little Easier
Dr. Gottschalk highlights the incredible collaboration across specialties—orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, general surgery, and more—that enables the team to deliver exceptional care. “Some of the most rewarding moments come when we’re working together, brainstorming the best approach for a complex case,” he shares. “It’s not about individual achievements—it’s about what we can accomplish as a team.”
The U.S. News & World Report ranking affirms what families and staff have long known: Dell Children’s is home to some of the nation’s best pediatric care. But for Dr. Gottschalk, the ranking is only part of the story. “This recognition validates what we’ve been doing for years—but it’s also a reminder to keep growing, keep improving,” he says. “There’s no reason a family should have to leave Austin for world-class pediatric care. We’re building something extraordinary right here.”
When asked what he loves most about his work, Dr. Gottschalk doesn’t hesitate: “The camaraderie. The way we come together for our patients and their families.”
This team approach creates a ripple effect, extending beyond medical treatment to emotional and mental support for families navigating difficult circumstances. “When parents see that we’re united in caring for their child, it gives them confidence. And when they feel confident, their child feels secure too.”
This March, as we celebrate Doctor’s Day and the national recognition Dell Children’s has received, we also celebrate the heart of what makes this institution exceptional: a team that believes in the power of partnership, the strength of family-centered care, and the unwavering belief that together, we can make the hardest journeys a little easier.
Dr. Gottschalk and the entire pediatric orthopedic team remind us that healing is not just about procedures and treatments—it’s about connection, empathy, and the shared commitment to be “all in this together” for every family who walks through our doors.
Pediatric Orthopedics by the Numbers:
Steady Growth in Orthopedic Surgery Volume: Dell Children’s Orthopedic Surgery volume has shown consistent growth over the years, with 2023 reaching its highest total at 1,409 surgeries.
Increasing Surgery Numbers at Dell Children’s North: Pediatric orthopedic surgeries at Dell Children’s North display a rising trend, particularly in 2024 reflecting the growing demand for specialized care.
Specialized Surgery Trends by Category: Sports medicine surgeries consistently lead in volume. However, other categories such as limb lengthening/reconstruction and foot/ankle surgeries also maintain steady contributions to the total volume.
Fracture/Trauma Surgeries Remain a Key Focus: Fracture/trauma surgeries have been relatively stable over the years, with 2024 seeing the highest total at 636 cases. Seasonal fluctuations are evident, with December often showing a significant peak across the years.