University Medical Center Utrecht | Netherland
Michał Gałek-Aldridge is a multilingual medical researcher and physician with a strong interdisciplinary background bridging molecular science, engineering, and regenerative medicine. Born on September 18, 1993, in Tucson, Arizona, he holds Polish nationality and is fluent in English, Dutch, Polish, and Russian, with advanced proficiency in French and beginner-level Portuguese. Michał’s academic journey spans multiple international institutions, including The British School of Warsaw, the Anglo-American School in Moscow, and the International School of Amsterdam, culminating in an International Baccalaureate (IB) bilingual diploma in 2011. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Science and Technology at Delft University of Technology and Leiden University, completing his thesis on “The loading of chemotherapeutics in polymersome carriers” at the Reactor Institute Delft. During this period, Michał received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship to study at Chalmers University in Sweden, where he expanded his expertise in nuclear chemistry, project management, waste management, and ecology. Driven by a passion for medicine, he subsequently earned both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Medicine at the University of Amsterdam, with clinical experience in orthopedic surgery at the UMC Amsterdam. Since 2021, Michał has been a PhD candidate at the University Medical Center Utrecht, focusing on the translation of regenerative surgical shoulder implants into clinical practice. His research integrates advanced therapies, 3D-printed medical devices, and regenerative medicine, while also addressing regulatory compliance, intellectual property assessment, and GMP evaluation for ATMP production. He actively supervises students at the 3D Lab, contributing to both academic and translational research. His work is supported by prominent supervisors including Prof. Michel van den Bekerom, Dr. Arthur van Noort, Dr. Bart van der Wal, and Prof. Jos Malda. Michał has contributed extensively to the scientific literature, publishing as first author on innovative orthopedic treatments and as co-author in high-impact journals, including The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and JSES Reviews, Reports & Techniques. His research has spanned topics from patient-specific bone regenerative implants and congenital hip dislocation management to COVID-19 respiratory subphenotypes and ventilation strategies. Michał’s professional development is complemented by diverse certifications and conferences, including Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR 2018), ISO 13485, 3D printing in hospitals, and arthroscopy and arthroplasty courses. Outside of his professional endeavors, he maintains an active lifestyle through kickboxing, Muay Thai, skiing, kite surfing, and cooking. His combination of scientific rigor, clinical expertise, and entrepreneurial initiative positions him as a rising leader in regenerative medicine and medical innovation.
Featured Publications
van Spanning, S. H., van Iersel, T. P., Verweij, L. P. E., van Noort, A., Floor, S., Galek-Aldridge, M., van den Borne, M. P. J., Kleinlugtenbelt, Y. V., van den Bekerom, M. P. J., & van Deurzen, D. F. P. (2025). Lower education level is associated with failure to return to sport whereas bony Bankart lesions predict successful return to preinjury sport level after open Latarjet procedure. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery. Advance online publication.