Joanna Lopez, PA-C, MPH

Joanna Lopez, PA-C, MPH, is a bilingual associate provider for the Musculoskeletal Institute at UT Health Austin and a health professional specialist in the Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care. She is a board-certified physician assistant and specializes in the evaluation and treatment of lower and upper extremity orthopaedic conditions in adults.

After receiving her undergraduate degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M University, Lopez continued her studies and obtained her Master of Public Health. During this time, Lopez’s passion for working with communities that have been historically underserved grew, and after graduation, she supported public health research initiatives in Houston. Enjoying the research aspects involving patients, she decided to return to school and obtain her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Texas Health Science Center.

Prior to joining UT Health Austin, she worked in neurology and learned how the mind and other health determinants affect physical function. Also interested in surgery, Lopez transitioned to an orthopaedic clinic and served as a first assist in total hip and knee replacements and arthroscopy surgery.

Combining her clinical training with her passion for working with communities that are underserved, Lopez participates in annual orthopaedic surgical mission trips to Guatemala. She also holds a board member position as the PA Advocacy Chair for the Central Texas Physician Assistant Society. As an outdoor enthusiast and active young professional in Austin, she finds great joy in helping others live their life to the fullest.