Interview with Dr. Thomas McDonald
Foot & Ankle Specialist
Tell us about your background?
I have been fortunate to live and train throughout many regions of our country. I spent most of my formative years in Tennessee, where I learned to appreciate good food, good manners, and great people. I completed my undergraduate degree at the College of the Holy Cross, where I was selected as an All-American football player. My medical training took me from Memphis to Hartford to Dallas, and my professional and volunteer activities have ranged from San Francisco to New York to Hanoi, Vietnam.
What is your approach to patient care?
I was brought up to listen to people, treat them with respect, and to work hard for them – be it my family, my coaches, my teammates, or my friends. My approach to my patients is no different!
All of my life experiences have shaped my approach to patient care. No matter what our differences or from where we hail, we all approach our health with a similar intention – we want straightforward information with which to make informed, personalized decisions. Injury, immobility, and pain are worrisome and stressful – people want to be reassured that there is a pathway back to normal.
Professionally, there is nothing I enjoy more than helping people find this pathway. I enjoy helping them face this adversity, determine their goals and craft personalized solutions that feel right for them. Either conservatively or surgically, my goal is always to help people understand their problem and put them in control of their pathway to healing and recovery.
What are your areas of specialty?
I have been fortunate to have been trained by some of the best surgeons in the country, and I continue to evolve along with the latest trends in Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery and Ankle Replacement surgery.
I provide complete foot and ankle care including:
• Total ankle replacement
• Trauma including athletic injuries, falls, and fractures
• Foot issues arising from systemic diseases including diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
• Workplace related injuries
• Foot deformities including bunions and hammertoes
What types of surgeries do you perform?
I am trained in all aspects of foot and ankle reconstruction, from toe malalignment to sports injuries to complex reconstruction of arthritic, diabetic, and neurologic deformities. My surgical treatments cover a wide range of options including total ankle replacement, minimally invasive soft tissue and forefoot procedures, arthroscopic treatment of sports injuries, and complex reconstructive and limb salvage procedures.
Where do you see patients?
My new office will be located at 7 Elm Street in Enfield. Our office is centrally located with ample parking.
When surgery is required, I operate at Hartford Hospital’s Bone and Joint Institute, as well as the new state-of-the-art Rocky Hill Surgery Center.I also have privileges at Baystate Medical Center.
What insurance plans do you accept?
Orthopedic Associates accepts all major insurance plans. Visit https://oahct.com/patient-resources/insurance/ to learn more.
Residents of Massachusetts will find that many insurance plans will cover Connecticut services. It is advisable to check with your insurance carrier on coverage.
What do you do when you are not working?
When I’m not trying to help patients make good orthopedic decisions, I spend most of my time trying to help my four children make good life decisions. Despite all my years of training, it is this educational experience that has taught me the most about life and happiness!
How can people schedule a visit?
I am now seeing patients in our new Enfield location at 7 Elm Street. To schedule a visit, call 860-244-8889 or 413-261-6801.
To learn more about Dr. McDonald, click here for his bio.