Orthopedic surgeon James Whittum, MD, has joined Good Shepherd Health Care System.
Whittum joins Jeremy Anderson, DO, in Good Shepherd Medical Group’s (GSMG) Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute.
The scope of Whittum’s care includes the diagnosis and treatment of most muscoloskeletal disorders, including broken bones, injuries of joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles, as well as chronic ailments such as knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Whittum said that in recent years, he has averaged around 100 joint replacements per year and about 1,200 joint replacements overall.
Whittum, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the field of orthopedics, said he chose Good Shepherd Health Care System after visiting Oregon just twice.
“I’ve travelled to 47 states but never made it to Oregon until my visits to Good Shepherd,” Whittum said. “I was somewhat surprised of the vastness of the open space and the ability to see for miles. I am very pleased with the kindness of everyone I’ve met and am looking forward to being a part of this wonderful community.”
Whittum said he was impressed with the growth of the Hermiston area.
“I definitely wanted to practice in a growing area,” he said. “Orthopedics has a critical role in the health of a community, and I want to help people continue to be able to do what they enjoy.”
Whittum earned his Doctor of Medicine from Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He received certifications from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
Along with his wife, Rita, Whittum said he has settled into the community and has already tested out the local bike trails and hiking trails in the Blue Mountains.
“My wife and I are very active and enjoy being outdoors biking, hiking and skiing,” he said.
Whittum is welcoming new patients of any age. His office is located at the Good Shepherd Medical Plaza, Suite M-201, at 620 N.W. 11th St., in Hermiston. His office can be reached at 541-289-7075, or find him on the Good Shepherd website.
