
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Michael Hunter, M.D.
Triple fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement, with experience treating elite athletes including the New Zealand Olympic team and All Blacks rugby team.

Biography
Dr. Michael Hunter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who grew up in Southern California and attended Loyola Marymount University, where he was on the Men’s Division I rowing team while receiving a degree in Biology with a minor in biochemistry.
He earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honors society. Following this, he completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Prisma Health/University of South Carolina program in Greenville, SC where he was elected chief resident during his final year.
After residency, Dr. Hunter returned to California to complete his fellowship training in Joint Replacement at Hoag Orthopedic Institute and then travelled overseas to New Zealand the following year. While in New Zealand, he completed a trauma fellowship at Auckland City Hospital under Dr. Bruce Twaddle, and a third fellowship in sports injuries at Unisports Orthopedics in Auckland.
While at Unisports, he had the privilege of caring for the New Zealand Olympic team and All Blacks rugby team.
He then returned to the U.S. and joined Newport Orthopedic Institute to focus primarily on joint replacement procedures. Dr. Hunter has been active in the research community, having authored several book chapters along with publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. He has had posters presented locally and internationally for his work in orthopedics.
Education & Training
A comprehensive training journey spanning top institutions in the United States and New Zealand
Loma Linda University
Medical Doctor (M.D.)
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
Prisma Health / University of South Carolina
Orthopedic Surgery
Elected Chief Resident
Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Joint Replacement
California
Auckland City Hospital
Orthopedic Trauma
New Zealand
Unisports Orthopedics
Sports Medicine
NZ Olympic Team & All Blacks Rugby Team
Affiliated Locations
Receive care at leading orthopedic facilities across Orange County, equipped with advanced technology and expert surgical teams.
Outside the Operating Room
Dr. Hunter currently lives in San Clemente with his wife and two beautiful daughters. When he’s not helping patients regain their mobility, he enjoys hanging out with his family. You can also find him:
Cooking
Skiing
Mountain Biking
Surfing
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hunter to discuss your orthopedic concerns and explore your treatment options.




