September 27, 2024

Meet David Clever, MD, PhD

Musculoskeletal Oncologist 

Dr. Clever cares for patients with benign and malignant bone, muscle and connective tissue tumors. He has a particular interest in treating bone and soft tissue sarcoma and skeletal metastasis.

A cancer diagnosis can be life-altering and overwhelming. Dr. Clever takes pride in building strong relationships with his patients and collaborating with them to develop personalized and comprehensive treatment plans, and prepare for life after cancer treatment. Dr. Clever is always available for his patients, and is never more than a phone call or email away. 

Where are you from? 

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, which in many ways (culturally, geographically, weather) feels a lot like St. Louis. My family and I love the people, culture, and values of the Midwest and are grateful to be settling in St. Louis.

What made you choose musculoskeletal oncology as an orthopedic specialty? 

The field of musculoskeletal oncology captures all of the best parts of orthopaedic surgery, and medicine in general, for me. On a daily basis I am able to meet, interact with, and develop long term relationships with patients that inspire, challenge, and motivate me. I help care for a diverse patient population with a broad range of pathologies involving nearly the entire musculoskeletal system. No two patients are the same, and each encounter provides a new challenge and opportunity for learning and growth. Furthermore, as part of a large and diverse clinical care team, I enjoy the collaborative nature of this field. Finally, while we continue to make great strides in our care of musculoskeletal malignancies, there is ongoing need for basic research in sarcoma to improve our understanding of these diseases, hopefully leading to the development of new, effective therapies. 

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics? 

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to do my orthopaedic surgery residency at Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital. It was an incredible experience and I feel a very strong connection to this institution and the community it serves. WashU is a truly collaborative institution that invests in its people and is committed to their success. My partners and colleagues at WashU – in the clinic, OR, and laboratory – are engaging, passionate, and eager to advance sarcoma care. I am very honored and humbled to be part of this team and am driven to do my best work every day – for myself, the people I work with, and the patients I help take care of.

What aspect of your practice do you find most rewarding? 

The most rewarding aspects of my practice are the close-knit, long term relationships established with patients. Any cancer diagnosis is a life altering event, one that embeds a patient deeply into a world of physicians, hospitals, tests, procedures, etc. It can be overwhelming. From the earliest introductory encounters, to establishing a diagnosis, mutually developing a treatment plan, working towards a return to life after cancer treatment, and long term surveillance – my patients and I will spend a lot of time together. I want my patients to know that we’re in it together, for the long haul, and that I’m never more than a phone call or email away.

What's on the horizon for musculoskeletal oncology care?

Musculoskeletal oncology is a rapidly advancing field. Surgically – I am interested in how new technologies like robotic assisted surgery and real time, image guided navigation systems can be integrated on a widespread level to potentially improve surgical safety and post-operative outcomes. Scientifically, I am particularly interested in the interplay between sarcoma and a patient’s immune response, and how this axis may be amenable to manipulation to promote anti-tumor immunity.

What is the best advice you ever received?

“Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mt: 17:20

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Outside of work I like to spend time with my wife Mona and two sons Cameron and Ryan. We enjoy being outdoors and exploring St. Louis’s many parks.

If you weren't a physician, what would you like to be doing?

There are many parallels between clinical medicine and basic research. I have spent much of my professional life absolutely fascinated with the understanding and treatment of cancer. If I weren’t an orthopaedic oncologist, I think I would be working full time in research as a cancer scientist. 

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.