Nathan E. Simmons, MD

I joined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at DHMC because of its reputation for patient-centered care with an emphasis on shared decision making and attention to patient-reported outcomes. I truly believe that DHMC places patient needs above all other priorities and this matches my philosophy of care perfectly. By utilizing proven treatment methods and listening carefully to the individual needs of my patients, my primary goal is to always provide compassionate and comprehensive care. I try to keep patients informed about their options so they can participate in making their own decisions, and to treat every patient as if they are part of my family. As a specialist in shoulder surgery, I perform a wide range of surgical procedures for the shoulder, ranging from common procedures to very complex reconstructive procedures. My surgical practice features arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, primary and revision shoulder replacement surgery including reverse total shoulder replacement, repair of shoulder instability, reconstruction of shoulders that have had previous surgery, shoulder arthroscopy and treatment of fractures around the shoulder. I am fortunate to work with an excellent team of providers who also specialize in shoulder care and work with me on a daily basis to provide comprehensive care of all shoulder problems. This includes a dedicated group of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physical therapists and athletic trainers. Most of the time, our team can improve pain and dysfunction of the shoulder without surgery, which is always our goal whenever possible. Sometimes, the best treatment to restore function and decrease pain is through surgery. I practice evidence-based medicine, using the latest research and up-to-date thinking to guide care of my patients. The other side of my professional life is my desire to contribute to our understanding of shoulder conditions through my own research. I spend a great deal of my free time thinking about shoulder problems and coming up with ways that we can improve our knowledge through scientific research. I have published many papers and textbook chapters on a wide range of shoulder conditions, including shoulder replacement, shoulder fractures, rotator cuff repair, labral tears, shoulder instability and the cost-effectiveness of shoulder surgery.

As an athletic trainer, I learned to care for patients on the field, after their surgery, during their rehabilitation and as they returned to their athletic activity. Participating in this progression motivated me to become a physician assistant in orthopaedic surgery. My background has prepared me to help patients with a wide range of orthopaedic conditions, treatments and goals, including preventing arthritis, helping to heal fractures, preparing for surgery and helping someone with pain be able to enjoy a vacation or wedding. It’s gratifying to help patients return to their everyday and athletic activities. It’s very rewarding to see the difference between when a patient first comes to us, limping or in a wheelchair, and their improvement after treatment, walking normally and getting back to work and family life with less pain.

I became an orthopaedic trauma surgeon because I wanted to be able to help people in a very tangible way. As a trauma surgeon, I usually meet people on one of the worst days of their lives. I do my best to put them at ease and let them know we will help them get back to being able to do the things they want to do. In my care, communication is key. Trauma events are stressful by nature and people behave differently under stress. I try to understand what my patients are going through and help them understand what their treatment choices are. Trauma is a team sport. I am fortunate to be able to work with dedicated providers in plastic surgery, general surgery, trauma surgery, emergency medicine and neurosurgery. We all work closely as a coordinated team to help our patients get back to their work, recreation, sports and hobbies.