My Approach to Treating Patients
I aim to provide the highest quality of comprehensive Orthopaedic Surgical Care available anywhere to individuals in Pasco and Pinellas County and beyond. My practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and total joint replacement surgery. I utilize the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques intended to speed recovery and enhance early function.
In many cases, surgery is the best treatment for debilitating arthritis. However, it is my goal to explain all the options for treating arthritis and the benefits of both operative and non-operative treatment. The internet provides a lot of valuable patient information today that can answer many questions a patient may have, or help to calm some concerns they may have. However, I believe that my staff and I may be your most valuable resource for any thoughts or concerns you have, which is why we are here.
It is my goal to take the time to not only understand your orthopaedic problem but to also understand your goals and desires. That foundation permits us to determine the best course of action and balance the pros and cons of the possible options.
Background
A native of Tampa, Dr. Whiddon graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. He obtained his MD from the Medical College of Virginia. He completed his internship and residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia. He then traveled to Boston, Massachusetts where he worked as an Otto E. Aufranc Total Joint Fellow at the Tufts-New England Baptist Hospital. During that year, he was extensively trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the hip and knee. He studied tissue-preserving hip replacement, computer-assisted surgery, and complex hip and knee reconstructions. He has broad experience with the various surgical techniques and implants that have been specifically designed for patients of all ages and every activity level.
Dr. Whiddon practiced Orthopaedic Surgery in the Navy and is proud of his 13 years of military service. While on active duty, he not only cared for the men and women of the Armed Forces, their families, and retirees, he also had the responsibility to teach orthopaedic residents and train the next generation of health care leaders. . Following completion of his active duty service, he had the opportunity to develop a brand-new orthopaedic total joint program in York, Pennsylvania. He introduced the direct anterior total hip replacement, fast-track joint replacement, and his accelerated recovery program to the patients of south-central Pennsylvania. After a twenty-year absence, he returned to his home state to join the expert team of physicians at the Orthopaedic Associates of West Florida.
His practice is focused on the treatment of hip and knee replacement and revision. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques that provide the potential for shorter recovery times, accelerated rehabilitation, and durable, long-lasting joint replacements. He is an expert in minimally invasive total hip replacement through the direct anterior approach and has shared his knowledge with surgeons across the globe through his teaching and consulting. He also specializes in the diagnosis of problems and treatment of painful or failed total joint replacements.
Education and Training
Fellowship: Otto E. Aufranc Fellow in Adult Reconstruction Tufts- New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, MA 2006-2007
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA 2001- 2005
Internship: General Surgery Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA 1998-1999
Medical School: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA 1998
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Honors, Zoology University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 1994