EL PASO, TX, July 10, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gerald L. Wilks, MD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Wilks has dedicated over five decades to the field of orthopedic surgery, establishing himself as a distinguished expert in back and joint care. His career began with a solid educational foundation, beginning his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri, where he played football during his freshman year. After completing a tenure conducting weather research in Panama for the United Fruit Company, he chose not to return to Missouri, instead relocating to Fort Worth, Texas, where he worked as a nighttime ground instructor.

This role led to Dr. Wilks enrolling at Texas Christian University (TCU), eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in math and chemistry. While at TCU, Dr. Wilks continued flying part-time, including piloting traffic-reporting flights. He went on to attend medical school at the University of Nebraska, balancing his studies with part-time charter flying, graduating in 1968. He subsequently completed an internship at the Naval Hospital from 1968 to 1969, which marked the beginning of his long-standing association with the military.

Dr. Wilks's military service is notable for its breadth and impact. He served four years with the U.S. Army before transitioning to the U.S. Navy, where he spent an additional 10 years. During his tenure, he was appointed as the medical officer for the Navy SEALs and was instrumental in addressing the Navy's concerns about retaining young doctors. While assigned to the Navy SEALs he became a qualified Navy parachutist. He is a retired Navy captain. His military career was decorated with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and multiple commendations from both the Navy and Army.

While in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Wilks specialized in submarine and diving medicine. He served on two Polaris submarine patrols and was later stationed in San Diego with a submarine squadron. After completing his active duty, he pursued orthopedic surgical training at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Los Angeles, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in orthopedic surgery.

Subsequently, Dr. Wilks embarked on a successful private practice in Newport Beach, California, where he served as an orthopedic surgeon for 22 years. Despite facing significant challenges imposed by insurance companies during this time, he remained committed to providing exceptional care to his patients. His dedication extended beyond his practice, often traveling to out-of-state hospitals during the holiday season to allow younger staff to spend time with their families while gaining valuable insights into their struggles.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Wilks contributed significantly to medical education as an orthopedic instructor at Harbor UCLA Medical Center for 20 years. His expertise and experience were invaluable to newly graduated doctors, particularly those deployed directly to combat zones or stationed at small Navy hospitals with limited opportunities for surgical practice. Dr. Wilks advocated for deploying more seasoned commanders to these facilities, although he often faced resistance from military officials.

During his career, Dr. Wilks expressed interest in a recall assignment, specifically requesting a posting to Naples, Italy. His request was granted, and he served there for nearly three years. Later, he was asked to transfer to Germany to support the U.S. Army, a position that spanned four years and included deployments to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Djibouti. He was also offered and accepted a two-year assignment in Japan. Following his international service, his concluded his federal career with a decade of service at the Department of Veterans Affairs in El Paso, Texas.

Dr. Wilks's commitment to improving lives through surgery is exemplified by his work in a monthly clinic in Mexico. Among his most memorable cases was a six-year-old boy with severe joint issues due to dislocated hips. Dr. Wilks successfully restructured the boy's hips, earning recognition in the LA Times for this transformative achievement. Another significant case involved a patient from Norway suffering from rheumatoid arthritis; Dr. Wilks's surgical intervention restored her mobility and significantly improved her quality of life.

Throughout his career, Dr. Wilks has been actively involved as a member of the board of the YMCA, The Harbor Day School and Hoag Hospital. He also supported Newport Harbor School during his time in Newport Beach. His professional journey is marked by resilience and determination, qualities that have enabled him to overcome numerous challenges and achieve remarkable success in his field.

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Wilks attributes much of his success to his ability to persevere through adversity, rising from every challenge stronger than before. His contributions to orthopedic surgery and military medicine have left a lasting impact on both fields, underscoring his commitment to excellence and service throughout his illustrious career.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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