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John T. Heffernan, MD

FELLOWSHIP TRAINED SHOULDER AND ELBOW SURGEON BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

Specializing In: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Sports Medicine

Practice Focus:

  • Minimally invasive shoulder and elbow surgery
  • Shoulder replacement
  • Arthritis of the shoulder, elbow, and knee
  • Sports injuries
  • Shoulder fractures
  • Rotator Cuff
  • Dislocated Shoulder
  • Shoulder instability
  • Top Procedures:

  • Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff and shoulder instability
  • Total shoulder replacement
  • Reverse shoulder replacement
  • Arthroscopic lower trapezius tendon transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tear
  • Fracture care for adults and children
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    About Dr. John Heffernan

    Medical School:

  • Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
  • Residency:

  • Orthopaedic Surgery – Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
  • Fellowships:

  • Shoulder and Elbow Surgery – Columbia University Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
  • Certifications:

  • Board Certified - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Professional Memberships:

  • American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
  • Dr. Heffernan is fellowship trained in all aspects of shoulder and elbow surgery and has extensive training in sports medicine. His practice focus includes arthroscopy of the shoulder and elbow, rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability, shoulder and elbow reconstruction, fracture care of the upper extremity, ligament reconstruction of the knee, and knee replacements.

    He is a Candidate Member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), a premier organization for shoulder surgery in the United States. Candidate membership in ASES is a privilege only awarded to young orthopaedic surgeons who have completed a fellowship in shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, and/or sports medicine. During his residency at Tulane University and his fellowship at Columbia University, he was mentored by two former presidents of the ASES organization. Dr. Heffernan serves as a reviewer for their Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

    During his medical training, Dr. Heffernan volunteered his time providing medical care as a sideline team physician for high school football teams of New Orleans, worked as an assistant team physician for Columbia University Athletics and assisted with the medical care of the New York Yankees and New York City FC (MLS). As a former varsity collegiate athlete in swimming, Dr. Heffernan is passionate about getting athletes of all ages back to their best performance.

    Dr. Heffernan is a fifth-generation native of the Puget Sound region and is proud to return home and take care of the people of his community. He and his wife, who is also a physician, are avid downhill skiers and enjoy cycling, hiking, being on the water, and mostly spending time with their family.

    "I am passionate about my work as an orthopedic surgeon and getting my patients back to their highest quality of life and activity. Providing outstanding orthopedic care starts first with listening carefully to my patients - they will tell me not just where their injury is, but precisely what their goals are, and how we can get them better by working together."
    Dr. John T. Heffernan, MD

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    Locations

    Location Lakewood cLinic.

    Lakewood Clinic

    7308 Bridgeport Way West
    Suite 201
    Lakewood, Washington 98499

    Puget Sound Orthopaedics Lakewood Surgery Center

    Puget Sound Surgery Center

    7308 Bridgeport Way West
    Suite 102
    Lakewood, Washington 98499

    Location Gig Harbor Clinic.

    Gig Harbor Clinic

    2727 Hollycroft Street
    Suite 410
    Gig Harbor, Washington 98335

    Location Tacoma Clinic.

    Tacoma Clinic

    1724 West Union Avenue
    Suite 100
    Tacoma, Washington 98405

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