For Dr. Joshua Wilson, some of his best childhood memories are being on the sidelines with his father, an orthopedic surgeon who worked alongside the high school football team in their hometown of Lubbock, Texas. These experiences became the driving force in his decision to pursue a career in medicine.
“It planted a seed that never really went away,” he explains.
Today, Wilson is an orthopedic surgeon with a sports medicine specialty, and the newest physician at the Norman Regional Health System’s Ortho Central clinics in Norman and Newcastle.
“I was born and raised in west Texas,” Wilson continues. “I came to Oklahoma for my residency and fell in love with the program at the OU and the community surrounding it. I am delighted to have joined the staff at Ortho Central.”
Wilson feels right at home in Oklahoma and has quickly adapted to life in the Sooner State.
“It was a perfect upsize from Lubbock. I love that Oklahoma City has so much to offer but doesn’t have some of the negatives that sometimes come with big cities,” he says. “I really love how friendly the people are here.”
This personal connection is exactly what Dr. Wilson hopes to bring to his practice at Ortho Central. His patients can expect to be treated by a caring physician who is accessible, takes time to listen, and provides individualized treatments based on each patient’s wishes and goals. He realizes that each patient has different goals, expectations and time frames for recovery, and he is committed to being there for the entire process.
“I’ve been on the other side, since I’ve had a few surgeries myself,” he explains. “I know doctors can sometimes seem rushed or use medical jargon that might not be easily understood. I take the time to talk to each patient, answer questions and ensure that they fully understand what their treatment options are. I want them to know what to expect before, during, and after surgery. I strive to treat my patients like my family.”
Taking excellent care of others is nothing new to Dr. Wilson. Throughout medical school and his residency, he sought opportunities to give back to important groups and organizations in his community.
During his time at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, he volunteered for Hard Hats for Little Heads, an organization that provides free bicycle helmets to local children. He also volunteered at the Lubbock Impact Free Clinic, providing free basic health care services to at-risk populations. His efforts have even taken him to Jinotega, Nicaragua, where he worked in an urgent care clinic treating acute injuries, fractures and infections.
“It’s another way to try and help people, outside of medicine and surgery. It’s so fulfilling to be able to donate your time,” he says.
In addition to his community involvement and work at Ortho Central, Wilson also provides medical coverage for Southmoore High School.
“I love being hands-on on the sidelines with these student-athletes,” he says. “I am there to see them on the field, evaluate any injuries appropriately, provide the support they need to recover and get them back to playing as quickly as possible.”
In his personal life, Wilson focuses on staying physically active by running, biking, hiking and weightlifting. He is also an avid traveler, having visited countries all over the world, including Scotland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Canada.
“Staying physically active helps keep me mentally fit. I love the social aspect of running 5Ks and 10Ks with others and training together,” he concludes. “I also try to travel as often as possible, especially with my family and friends. I can’t think of a better way to make memories with the people that are close to you.”
Dr. Wilson specializes in ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, cartilage restoration, rotator cuff repair, shoulder labral repair and shoulder arthroplasty. He is currently accepting new patients. For more information about Dr. Wilson or Norman Regional Health System’s Ortho Central, visit OrthoCentralOK.com or call 405.360.6764.