Dr. David P. Huberty

Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained Shoulder Specialist

My Treatment Philosophy

First, you should know that I consider it a great honor and privilege to provide orthopedic surgical care. With more then 17 years of practice experience, I feal confident in my approach to treating patients. Within the shoulder and upper extremity subspecialty, I have seen most conditions and diagnosis countless times. I know which treatments work well and know where the complications hide; however, I understand that the practice of medicine requires constant pursuit of knowledge. There will always be more to learn, and each day of practice seems to present challenging dilemmas. I will never forget the Hippocratic Oath I took at the beginning of medical training, and in particular the statement “primum non nocere” (First, do no harm). With each important decision, I also consider, “How would I treat a family member in this Situation?” I believe the tremendous privilege and responsibility of this occupation is too great to shoulder alone. I rely on my faith for clarity of mind and guidance.

Second, I believe it critically important for you as a patient to be well informed about your physical condition in order to make the right decisions about your health. I will do my best to make an accurate diagnosis and explain thoroughly the condition and treatment options. I have had the tremendous fortune of being trained by some of the greatest orthopedic surgeons in this country. Thus, I feel confident that I have the knowledge and skills necessary to treat you as a patient and help you get better. In all cases where it is appropriate, I will recommend conservative treatments before surgery. If an operation is indicated, I will explain in detail all aspects of the procedure and recovery, as well as the related risks, benefits, and alternate options. I will only agree to move ahead with a surgical procedure if I truly believe that the expected benefits vastly outweigh the potential complications.

Finally, through my profession, I have devoted my life to understanding and mending the human body. I am continually amazed by God’s perfect design, the intricate coordination of human form and function. I believe the surgical goal should be to restore the body as closely as possible to the original anatomic design. With surgery however, I believe that “less is more.” I use a minimally invasive approach when effective. I believe this leads to less post-operative pain, speeds recovery, and minimizes scarring. I was fortunate to have an incredible experience as a fellow, working one on one with, arguably, the world’s foremost expert in minimally invasive/arthroscopic shoulder surgery. I now perform the vast majority of my reconstructive surgeries with the minimally invasive arthroscopic technique.

Background

I was born and raised in the small college town of Pullman, Washington. I was the second of four children to my father, an obstetrician, and my mother a social worker and Catholic counselor. The family attended most major Washington State Cougar athletic events, and I remain a huge Cougar fan today. I developed a passion for sport and a desire to spend free time in the outdoors hunting and fly fishing.

I found the perfect environment for education and maturation at Gonzaga University. I studied Biochemistry with an eye towards medical school while competing on the university tennis team. This loaded academic and athletic schedule proved valuable preparation for the rigors of medical school.

I began medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. During my studies, it became crystal clear that I was meant to become an orthopedic surgeon. For the first time in my life, I felt certain of a career direction. I was captivated by the ingenious design of the human musculoskeletal system. I was drawn to the hands on, intricate, and mechanical nature of the profession. It became my desire to help others in the most basic and fundamental way; to feel better, function better, work better, and play better.

At the completion of medical school, I was accepted to attend orthopedic residency at the University of New Mexico. This sought-after training program was well known for providing an outstanding surgical experience, highlighted by the sports medicine and hand surgery programs. Regular 100-hour work weeks tested my fortitude, but I fell in love with the profession none the less. The character of the people around you make all the difference.

The following year, I was selected the single shoulder surgery fellow with Dr. Stephen Burkhart.  I considered this the opportunity of a lifetime.  His understanding of shoulder anatomy, biomechanical function, and related disorders was revolutionary.  His use of the scope to treat shoulder ailments by a minimally invasive technique was light years ahead of US and worldwide standards.  I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to learn from him.  I was most impressed by his humility, compassion, and his relentlessness in working to achieve the best for his patients.  He was the perfect mentor, and I have committed myself to practice by his example.  During this fellowship year, I also had the opportunity to work with national experts in sports medicine, shoulder replacement arthroplasty and elbow arthroscopy.  At fellowship completion, I felt well prepared to begin my future practice. 

Education

• Undergraduate: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
• Medical: Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE

Training

• Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Residency: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
• Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Shoulder Surgery Fellowship: The San Antonio Orthopedic Group, San Antonio, TX

Professional Affiliations

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• American Medical Association
• Arthroscopy Association of North America
• Oregon Association of Orthopedists
• Oregon Medical Association

Hospital Affiliations

• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center
• Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center
• South Portland Surgical Center

Recent News

In November of 2019 Dr. Huberty was interviewed on Oregon Live in the following article: Zach Collins’ shoulder injury: A look at the recovery process and potential return timeline for the Portland Trail Blazers forward

In 2019 Dr. Huberty participated in Firefighter For A Day training.