
About the Foundation
Our Mission
The Palm Beach Research & Education Foundation is dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal health through high-impact orthopedic research, sports medicine innovation, and educational excellence. Our mission is simple: help people move better, recover faster, and live healthier lives.
Our Vision
To build one of the nation’s most active and impactful orthopedic research programs, right here in Palm Beach County, supporting patients ranging from athletes to aging adults seeking mobility and independence.

Meet Our Team
We are led by respected orthopedic surgeons with decades of experience, supported by research fellows, residents, students, faculty educators, and partners committed to advancing musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Howard Routman
President
Howard Routman, DO, FAOAO, FAAOS is an orthopedic surgeon with over 25 years of experience specializing in shoulder reconstruction. He is the Program Director for the JFK Orthopedic Surgery Residency and the Director of the Palm Beach Shoulder Service at Atlantis Orthopedics. He has written over 8 Book Chapters and published over 60 peer reviewed research articles on various topics in orthopedic surgery, mostly focusing on reverse shoulder arthroplasty. He is an active member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Association of Clinical Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ACESS - past president), Fellow of both American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics. He is Board certified.
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Dr. Diego Lima
Vice-President
Dr. Diego Lima is an orthopedic surgeon who embodies a profound care philosophy centered around the holistic well-being of his patients. He tailors personalized treatments, integrates the latest therapies, and harnesses cutting-edge technology, all in pursuit of optimal outcomes for each of his patients. He is a member of the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), highlighting his commitment to excellence and staying at the forefront of orthopedic advances.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Lima serves as an assistant professor at both the University of Central Florida and the University of Miami, actively involved in the orthopedic residency programs and research of both institutions. Through teaching and mentorship, he contributes to the education and training of future orthopedic surgeons, fostering the growth of the field.
Our Approach
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Clinician-Led Research: Prioritizing studies that directly change patient care.
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Education & Training: Preparing the next generation of orthopedic leaders.
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Community Engagement: Bringing knowledge to athletes, students, families, and seniors.
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Innovation & Technology: Leveraging modern tools, imaging, and analytics to accelerate discovery.


Our Commitment to the Community
We believe high-level research should benefit local patients, not just academic journals. Our work supports orthopedic excellence across Palm Beach County through education, outreach, and collaborative partnerships.
