With an 18-year career dedicated to foot and ankle orthopedics, Dr. Thomas McDonald of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford (OAH) is distinguished for his medical expertise and the profound human connection he fosters with each patient.
A family legacy of healthcare professionals influenced Dr. McDonald’s journey into medicine. He followed in his father’s and brother’s footsteps, along with their stories of healing and helping.
The mechanical appeal and craftsmanship of orthopedics, witnessed during his medical school years, firmly set his path.
“It was a total knee replacement surgery I observed that did it for me,” Dr. McDonald recalls. “The tools and the precise mechanics involved felt like carpentry, which I had done before. There was something profoundly satisfying about that.”
After his residency at the University of Connecticut, he specialized in foot and ankle surgery during his fellowship, where he learned the importance of maintaining perspective and understanding when dealing with patients undergoing long, often painful recoveries.
“You can’t lose your sense of humor,” he was advised by a mentor who exemplified the balance of expert care with compassionate interaction.
Today, Dr. McDonald practices at OAH, a leading group with 28 physicians, including four specializing in foot and ankle surgery.
“It’s a premier destination for orthopedic care,” he remarks, emphasizing the practice’s comprehensive support structure, which enhances surgical outcomes and patient recovery.
One of the most exciting advancements in the field is the evolution of total ankle replacement technologies. He reflects on the progress from initial failures in the 1970s to the current fourth-generation implant technologies that offer new hope to patients suffering from severe ankle arthritis.
“It’s one of the most exciting things that I do because patients do so well with it,” he states, highlighting the transformation he witnesses in patients’ lives post-surgery.
His surgical acumen and deeply personalized approach to patient care set Dr. McDonald apart. He is known for taking the time to discuss all aspects of treatment and helping patients understand their conditions and choices. This educational approach is critical, especially in a field where the physical implications of surgery are significant and often daunting for patients. “I believe in empowering my patients with knowledge. It’s about making healthy choices together, choices that lead not just to recovery but to a better quality of life,” he emphasizes.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Dr. McDonald’s practice is how he correlates his professional insights with personal experiences. Drawing parallels between the challenges of parenting and his professional role, he shares, “Being a parent has helped me appreciate the anxiety around taking care of oneself amidst a busy lifestyle. The same way I guide my children to make healthy choices, I try to help my patients make the same choices in their orthopedic care.”
Beyond the technical aspects of his work, Dr. McDonald values the time he spends with patients, helping them navigate their healthcare decisions. Known for thoroughly discussing treatment options, he believes in educating and empowering patients about their conditions and the available surgical and conservative treatments. This approach builds trust and eases the anxiety that often accompanies orthopedic issues.
For those struggling with foot or ankle issues, his approach offers more than traditional medical treatment; it provides a pathway to making healthier choices and moving freely, with confidence and support. His message to anyone suffering is straightforward: "Come on in and talk! My Team and I will you resolve your pain and guide you toward making choices that will improve your life.”
Dr. Thomas McDonald
Orthopedics Associates of Hartford
31 Seymour St., Suite 300, Hartford
Online: Oahct.com
Phone: 860-244-8889
I believe in empowering my patients with knowledge. It’s about making healthy choices together, choices that lead not just to recovery but to a better quality of life.