Exactech has appointed Richard J. Friedman, MD, FRCSC as its new chief medical officer (CMO).

Dr. Friedman will focus on clinical and regulatory support, including product safety, surgeon education, and medical guidance for product development. He’ll also be an expert resource for surgeon colleagues and patient education.

Dr. Friedman was chief of shoulder and elbow surgery and professor of orthopedic surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, and is currently vice chair of research for the department.

He was also an adjunct professor of bioengineering at Clemson University. His area of interest includes total joint replacement of hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow. He also specializes in shoulder and elbow disorders and sports medicine, as well as arthroscopic surgery.

Dr. Friedman is the founder of the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at MUSC and has received more than 50 research grants. He has over 400 peer-reviewed publications and has presented nationally and internationally at over 700 medical conferences.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Friedman to the team at an exciting time for the company,” said Exactech president and CEO Darin Johnson. “He has a broad range of expertise across all joints and knows Exactech products well, having contributed to a significant amount of research and published studies over many years. At Exactech, our surgeon-focused culture is critical to the success of our team, and we believe Dr. Friedman’s contributions will have a huge impact and further strengthen our company.”

Dr. Friedman succeeds Sharat Kusuma, MD, who recently moved to the role of president of JointMedica, a hip arthroplasty device company collaborating with Exactech on a hip resurfacing technology.

“I have always admired Exactech for the company culture and, of course, its innovative products, which I used for almost 15 years,” said Dr. Friedman. “I am looking forward to joining the team and am committed to providing clinical guidance and education that will have a meaningful impact on patient care during this pivotal time at Exactech.”

Earlier this month, the company earned U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its Equinoxe scapular reconstruction system for acromial and scapular spine fractures.