Dr James McLean
PhD MS MBBS FRACS(Ortho) FAOrthA
An Orthopaedic surgeon who will give the best care possible. With his extensive experience in treating upper limb conditions, he works with his patients to create tailored treatment plans which yield the best possible outcomes for their injuries.
the Internationally trained Orthopaedic surgeon
Dr James McLean is a locally and internationally trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder and upper limb surgery, with a special interest in arthroscopic (key-hole) surgery and reconstructive and joint-replacement surgery. He is an active member of the Shoulder & Elbow Society of Australia and The Australian Hand Surgery Society. His primary goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for his patients and their families.
Dr James McLean graduated from the University of Adelaide Medical School in 2004. Prior to commencing practice, he completed 9 years of post-graduate surgical training. During this time, he travelled extensively, obtaining additional experience from centres of orthopaedic excellence in Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA.
Up-to-date in the latest orthopaedic advancements
Keeping up-to-date with new developments and technical advancements is integral to his practice and Dr McLean regularly participates in continued education activities. His ongoing contributions to orthopaedic literature have seen him co-author several book chapters on upper limb conditions, and publish numerous research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Orthopaedic research and training
Dr James McLean has a keen interest in research and was awarded the higher degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 2019 and Master of Surgery in 2010. He has accepted several scholarships, grants and prizes for his published work, including several “Best Paper” awards, and completed a PhD in 2019 which helped establish an interactive electronic database aimed at improving outcomes for patients undergoing surgery. Dr McLean’s practice has evolved to include the development of new methods of diagnosis and treatment. He continues to contribute to research and teaching through his clinical appointment at the University of Adelaide.
Sub-speciality training
Following the completion of general basic surgical training and advanced orthopaedic surgical training, Dr James McLean sought additional training abroad, including two competitive, sub-specialty clinical fellowships.
Shoulder & Elbow Fellowship
Addenbrooke's Hospital / University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
Upper Limb & Hand Fellowship
St Paul's Hospital / University of British Columbia (Canada)
A message from Dr James McLean
The decision to have surgery can be a difficult one. Sometimes, the decision can be easier, especially if the reason for surgery is a traumatic injury or a need to restore lost function.
Find the best Orthopaedic surgeon for you
An important part of this decision is choosing a surgeon with whom you can trust your health and well-being. To me, this means that you should be comfortable with your surgeon’s credentials, training, experience and character.
Different surgeons have different styles, experience and training, and you should choose a surgeon whose reasoning and recommendations make sense to you.
My approach is evidence-based, using state-of-the-art surgical techniques and equipment. I developed this approach naturally from my experiences in Australia, Europe and North America, working alongside many internationally-renown orthopaedic surgeons. I take special care to fully understand all aspects of a patient’s life, before making any recommendations. Besides understanding your anatomy and clinical problem, this includes an appreciation of your individual concerns, personality and lifestyle. My primary goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Team approach for optimal outcomes
To achieve optimal outcomes, I work closely with a team of highly-skilled professionals who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible. Our team includes your GP, a physician, a physiotherapist (and/or hand therapist), nurses, my assistant surgeon and our admin staff.
Much like planning for a weekend away, surgery involves pre-operative assessment and planning, the surgery itself, and then post-operative recovery and rehabilitation. When possible, arthroscopic (key-hole) surgery can help patients to have a shorter hospital stay and return to their chosen lifestyle sooner. Each member of my team is dedicated to making your surgical experience as smooth as possible.
Up-To-Date
My practice is also committed to the development of new methods of diagnosis and treatment. I achieve this through an ongoing commitment to self-education, research and teaching, which keeps me up-to-date with new developments and technical advancements.
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