HERMISTON, OR – Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) is pleased to announce the arrival of Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeons Patrick Dawson, MD, and Tamara Simpson, MD, to the Good Shepherd Orthopedics team. Drs. Dawson and Simpson join Drs. Kyle Duncan (Podiatrist), Trey Rigert (Physiatrist), Matthew Thompson (Orthopedic Surgeon), James Whittum (Orthopedic Surgeon) and Zhiqing Xing (Orthopedic Surgeon) at Good Shepherd Orthopedics, located at 1122 W. Elm Ave. in Hermiston, OR.
“We are excited to add Drs. Dawson and Simpson to our orthopedics team. They are experienced and accomplished surgeons that will make a significant impact on the health of our region,” shared GSHCS President & CEO Art Mathisen.
Dr. Dawson grew up in Chicago, IL, and Dr. Simpson grew up locally in Pendleton, OR. Both surgeons are fellows of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Oregon Association of Orthopedics, with over two decades of experience caring for patients of all ages.
Dr. Dawson earned his Doctor of Medicine from Loyola University School of Medicine and his residency in Orthopedic Surgery from Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) in Portland, OR. He then completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship from Congress Medical Associates in Pasadena, CA.
Dr. Simpson earned her Doctor of Medicine from Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) in Portland, OR, and her residency in Orthopedic Surgery from OHSU, as well. She then completed two fellowships, a UCSF Sports Medicine Fellowship from University of California San Francisco in San Francisco, CA, and an HCMC Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship from Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN.
When asked why he chose this field of medicine, Dr. Dawson stated, “My passion for mechanics began early in life. I’ve always had a fascination with planes and cars, enjoying the process of tinkering and enhancing their performance. This innate interest in mechanical systems ultimately led me to orthopedic surgery—an inherently hands-on specialty that offers the opportunity to improve a patient’s function and quality of life through precise, surgical intervention.”
Dr. Simpson describes high school sports and a college injury that inspired her to pursue the field of Orthopedics. “My interest in science and medicine began in childhood. Growing up on a farm in Pendleton, OR, I initially envisioned a career as a large animal veterinarian. However, my exposure to sports during high school led me to discover the field of orthopedics. After experiencing a series of minor injuries that required orthopedic expertise, but did not necessitate surgery, I became captivated by the field. A pivotal moment in my career path occurred in college when I sustained a fractured ankle after a horse fell on me. The injury required surgery, and I was fascinated by the surgical process and the recovery that followed. I was amazed by how, after healing, I could return to activities such as running and skiing without any lasting issues. It was during this recovery that I knew for certain that orthopedics was the field I wanted to pursue.”
The Good Shepherd Orthopedics team provides comprehensive orthopedic care for patients of all ages. Services include general orthopedics, sports medicine, joint replacement, foot and ankle care, physiatry, arthroscopy, workers’ compensation injuries, and Mako Robotic surgical intervention.
“Over the years, my practice has increasingly centered around joint replacement surgery. I began using the Mako Robotic Joint Replacement System over a decade ago, and it has truly revolutionized the way we approach joint replacement. Treating patients with joint issues has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work, as it allows me to restore mobility to those who have lived with limitations for years,” stated Dr. Dawson. “At Good Shepherd Health Care System, I am committed to providing exceptional, patient-centered care that addresses the full spectrum of musculoskeletal needs. Whether your goal is to return to athletic activity or simply improve your daily mobility, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal outcomes and get back to the activities you love. I invite you to visit our team and experience the difference in care.”
Dr. Simpson is passionate about sports medicine and helping her patients maintain mobility. “Through my years of practice, I’ve come to appreciate how orthopedics can have a profound impact not only on an individual’s physical health, but also on their livelihood and quality of life,” stated Dr. Simpson. “My goal with every patient is to help them return to their previous level of function, whether that’s resuming sports, returning to work, or simply regaining the ability to engage in daily activities like walking with friends. I firmly believe that staying active is essential to living a long and fulfilling life. As such, my primary focus is to keep patients moving, helping them maintain independence and vitality as they age.”
In their spare time, Drs. Dawson and Simpson enjoy skiing, rafting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with their teenage son.
All seven physicians at Good Shepherd Orthopedics are welcoming new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 541.289.7075 or request an appointment online at https://www.gshealth.org/good-shepherd-medical-group/orthopedics. To learn more about Dr. Dawson’s education and services, visit https://www.gshealth.org/doctors/patrick-dawson-md. To learn more about Dr. Simpson’s education and services, visit https://www.gshealth.org/doctors/tamara-simpson-md. To learn more about Good Shepherd Health Care System, visit www.gshealth.org.
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Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) is a thriving, independent, healthcare system in Northeast Oregon, with over 1,250 staff members and 200 credentialed providers. As a growing, mid-size healthcare system demonstrating its commitment to high-quality care, GSHCS’s flagship acute care hospital is fully accredited by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Based in Hermiston, Oregon, GSHCS meets the healthcare needs of 75,000 patients in the greater Northeast Oregon region, primarily spanning Umatilla and Morrow Counties. In addition to providing inpatient care, GSHCS’s 17 robotic-trained surgeons offer a full slate of surgical services that treat a variety of health conditions. The GSHCS Medical Group’s specialty services include Cardiology, Oncology, Urology, Nephrology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Physiatry, Women’s Health, Endocrinology, and Sleep Medicine. GSHCS also offers Primary Care Services in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Other services include Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Home Health, Physical/Speech/Occupational/Infusion/Respiratory Therapy, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Hospice, Pharmacy, Occupational Health, Home Medical Equipment, and medical transportation services. GSHCS’s Level 3 Trauma designated Emergency Department is open 24/7 and its Urgent Care is open seven days a week. For more information about GSHCS, visit www.gshealth.org.
