MAHSC Inaugural Lecture: Michael McNicholas – Knee Joint Preservation Surgery

The MAHSC (Manchester Academic Health Science Centre) inaugural lecture series celebrates the remarkable contributions of our honorary MAHSC clinical chairs. These prestigious honors, awarded by the University of Manchester’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, recognise distinguished individuals across Greater Manchester who have demonstrated excellence in research, education, and clinical practice.

Mike is a proud Mancunian, and honoured to have been awarded this FBMH MAHSC Clinical Chair the University of Manchester, particularly as he graduated from our Medical School in 1989. He is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon who holds prominent leadership roles: Executive Board Member of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee; President of the UK Biological Knee Society 2020- 23; He is a member of the International Cartilage Restoration and Joint Preservation Society General Board and Chair of its Finance Committee and previously Chaired the Patient Registry Steering Committee. He co-chairs the NorthWest regional service serving seven million people and has led several international medical societies. His significant contributions to healthcare have earned him a National Clinical Impact Award. As a clinical advisor to The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) since 2014 he has influenced policy and NHS access to appropriate clinical services.

His academic achievements include honorary professor at the University of Salford (2006-18). His academic focus is in teaching and translational research. He has supervised thirteen postgraduate degrees (8 clinicians 5 basic scientists) and served as an external examiner for advanced university programs. His diverse teaching experience spans from medical students to emergency rescue technicians and special forces personnel. This educational impact has successfully improved trauma care in global settings, including orphanages and conflict zones. Additionally, he has published dozens of invited editorials, book chapters, and international educational resources. As a critical academic bridge between clinicians and researchers, he enjoys driving translational research and scientific training of clinicians. He is involved in international collaborative clinical and basic science research, mainly related to knee disorders and has won awards for this. Current research interests include robotics, “-omics”, graphene and stem cell applications in knee injury; multiple ligament reconstruction, osteotomy, cartilage repair and arthroplasty outcomes, and the treatment of focal articular cartilage defects and early arthritis using novel implants. In Consultancy with 16 industry partners for research design, surgeon education and product innovation he has co-developed five products from initial design to market. He is looking forward to further collaborations with colleagues in the University of Manchester to progress the science and clinical care of musculoskeletal pathologies and enhance its global reputation.