John Wechter, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
My specialties:
- Orthopedic surgery
Professional interests:
- Arthritis surgery-wrists
- Nerve surgery
- Sports Injuries of the arm and hand
- Shoulder rotator cuff tears and impingement
- Complex elbow injuries
- Fractures of the elbow, wrist, hands
- Pediatric fractures of the elbow, arm, and hand
- Dupuytren's contracture surgery
- Masses, ganglions, trigger finger treatment
Practice philosophy: I believe in treating patients the same as I would my family, spending as much time as necessary until all of their questions are answered, they understand the diagnosis, and they are comfortable with the plan that we establish together as a team (surgical or nonsurgical).
What are you passionate about and why? I enjoy getting to know my patients, and being entrusted to their care and helping them through their orthopedic ailments and injuries. The most gratifying part of my work is seeing a patient feeling better and no longer in pain, returning to their usual activities.
If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? Wrestling coach or Artist/Medical illustrator
Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I have had an interest in art and athletics from a young age. I had many injuries and am grateful for the surgeons that helped me. I found that surgery was a good avenue to apply these interests.
What is something you have learned from your patients? Patients truly know their own bodies well and know when there is something wrong. Asking questions and listening is the key to discovering the answer and helping develop a solution for the patient.
What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? The challenge and enjoyment of orthopedics is balancing all the aspects that are necessary to a successful outcome: patient interaction, problem solving, and implementing the plan of action.
What are you most proud of? My wife and 4 children.
What are a few of your personal achievements? US Greco Roman wrestling: US open champion 2013 and national team member.
Credentials
- MD
Board-certified specialties
- Orthopedic surgery
Current licenses and certifications
- ABOS Board Certification Orthopedic Surgery
Internships
- University of Minnesota Orthopedic Surgery Residency
Residencies
- University of Minnesota Orthopedic Surgery Residency
Fellowships
- Minnesota Hand Surgery Fellowship
Years of experience
- 15
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Major health plans we participate in
- Allina Health | Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- PreferredOne
- SelectCare/LaborCare
- UCare
- UnitedHealthcare
Other health plans we participate in
- Medicaid/Medicare
- Aetna
- America's PPO
- First Health/Coventry
- CIGNA
- Humana
- Hennepin Health (formerly Metropolitan Health Plan)
- PrimeWest
- South Country Health Alliance
- United Behavioral Health
- Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS)