After three decades of dedicated service to the Chico community and surrounding areas, Dr. Charles E. Wilhite has announced his retirement from Orthopedic Associates of Northern California (OANC) as of August 31st, 2025. His career has been marked by unwavering commitment to patient care, surgical excellence, and community involvement.
Dr. Wilhite’s journey in medicine began with his education at Georgetown University School of Medicine, supported by an Armed Forces Medical Scholarship. Following his graduation, he entered active duty in the United States Navy, where he completed his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at the Naval Regional Medical Center in San Diego. His military service included a year as the General Medical Officer aboard the USS California during the Iranian hostage crisis and a subsequent assignment as Chief of the Department of Orthopedics at the Naval Hospital Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico. He concluded his military career as teaching staff and Director of the Knee Service at the Naval Hospital San Diego.
In 1987, Dr. Wilhite transitioned to civilian practice in Chico, initially joining the Chico Medical Group. Over the years, he practiced both independently and in association with other physicians, eventually co-founding Chico Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medical Associates in 2003. This practice merged with OANC in 2013, where Dr. Wilhite continued to provide exceptional orthopedic care.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wilhite has held privileges at Enloe Hospital and Skyway Surgery Center. He served as the chairman of the Division of Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and Podiatry at Enloe Hospital and was a Qualified Medical Examiner in the Workers’ Compensation system. His dedication to continuous learning was evident in his successful recertification by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in 2016. He is also a Fellow of the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Beyond his clinical duties, Dr. Wilhite contributed to the community as the orthopedic surgeon for the Chico Rooks soccer organization and assisted in treating athletes at Butte College. He has been deeply involved in local sports, particularly soccer and tennis, supporting his children’s athletic endeavors.
Dr. Wilhite’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Chico’s medical community. His colleagues, patients, and the broader community express profound gratitude for his years of service and wish him well in his retirement.
