Dr. John Whitaker is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult spinal reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Whitaker obtained his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry right down the road at Western Kentucky University (Go TOPS). He then attended medical school at the University of Kentucky and following, completed a five-year residency with the University of Kentucky Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. During his residency tenure, he was consecutively chosen as both the Junior Resident of the Year, as well as the Senior Resident Educator of the Year. Having gained a special appreciation for and interest in surgery of the spine, Dr. Whitaker continued his training, completing a fellowship in Adult Spine Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Spine Center.
While in Colorado, Dr. Whitaker gained extensive experience in treating various degenerative conditions of the adult spine, including:
- Spinal Deformity
- Spinal Trauma
- Spinal Revision Surgery
- Spinal Fusion
- Navigated Spinal Surgery
- Disk Replacement
- Motion Preservation and Decompression Surgery
In addition, while in Colorado, Dr. Whitaker trained with the UNiD software to assist him in providing comprehensive care tailored to a patient’s needs.
Dr. Whitaker is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, as well as the North American Spine Society.
Above all, Dr. Whitaker seeks to manage and respect the whole patient, regardless of their spine needs, and to treat them each with the care and compassion his principles impart.
Department(s)
- Orthopaedics
Location(s)
WKONA
Year Joined GGC
2023
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
MD Degree
University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
Fellowship
Adult Spine Surgery, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
Residency
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, UK Healthcare, Lexington, KY
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