Padres Team Doctor from Scripps Named Among Top U.S. Shoulder Surgeons

Heinz Hoenecke, MD, of Scripps Clinic has been selected as the only San Diego orthopedic surgeon – and one of just six in California – to be honored on a national medical journal’s annual list of the top shoulder surgeons and specialists in the United States.

Becker’s Orthopedic, Spine & Pain Management Review will publish its third annual list of “65 Outstanding Shoulder Surgeons & Specialists” in its September 2011 print edition. Dr. Hoenecke, who also serves as head team physician for the San Diego Padres, is joined on this year’s list by other noted sports medicine physicians across the United States, such as Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Lewis Yocum and Dr. Frank Jobe.

Physicians recognized on the list were selected by the journal’s editorial team, based on their expertise in shoulder surgery, research and development accomplishments and leadership in professional organizations. In addition to his current role with the Padres, Dr. Hoenecke has been a team physician for the United States’ national basketball, soccer and ski teams, the ARCO Olympic Training Center and the University of San Diego athletic department.

Scripps has been the official health care provider to the San Diego Padres since 1981.

Earlier this year, Dr. Hoenecke presented his breakthrough research into the treatment of shoulder injuries at the national conference of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Hoenecke’s research has led to important changes in how shoulder injuries are treated, stemming from his development of new technology to measure how forces move across the shoulder. Dr. Hoenecke’s shoulder research was recently honored with the Thornburg Award, given annually to a Scripps Clinic surgeon for significant research achievements.