Michael Willey
Papers
3
Total Citations
76
H-Index
2
About
Michael Willey is a pioneering orthopedic researcher whose work sits at the intersection of trauma surgery, behavioral health, and digital health technology. His primary research areas include postoperative pain management, opioid reduction strategies, and the integration of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) into surgical recovery protocols. Dr. Willey’s most impactful contribution is his landmark randomized controlled trial (2020, 64 citations) demonstrating that ACT delivered via an automated mobile phone messaging robot significantly decreases postoperative opioid use in orthopedic trauma patients—a novel, scalable intervention addressing the opioid crisis. He has also detailed pain and opioid utilization patterns after periacetabular osteotomy (2019, 10 citations), using robotic mobile messaging to improve postoperative communication and data collection. By merging behavioral science with mobile health platforms, Willey has created a pragmatic, patient-centered model for reducing avoidable pain and reliance on opioids. His work is notable for its real-world applicability, offering surgeons and patients a low-cost, evidence-based tool to enhance recovery while combating opioid misuse—a critical achievement in modern orthopedics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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