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​“I enjoy being a part of the patient's journey by treating issues to allow them to return to activities they love." ​


Provider Bio down arrow



Dr. John Watkins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who treats patients of all ages for a variety of issues from injuries to chronic wear and tear. He is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and adult reconstruction and enjoys providing basic fracture care, arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder and knee as well as shoulder, hip and knee replacements.

For Dr. Watkins, good patient care starts with education about their condition or injury and its treatment options. “I think it is important that the patient feels involved in the decision making and is an active participant in their care," he said. 

Dr. Watkins takes the time to listen and understand what is bothering a patient. Together, they work through care plans to customize it to that patient's needs and goals. “Whether a conservative approach or surgical we decide together," Dr. Watkins said. “I feel patients always do better the more they understand and participate in their care."

Helping people return to the activities they enjoy is rewarding for Dr. Watkins. “I have always had a desire to help people enjoy their life to the fullest to stay healthy and active," he said.

While not at work Dr. Watkins enjoys music, traveling with friends and family and staying active and healthy. “I am married to the most amazing woman, who works for Marshfield Clinic," he said. Together they have five children. 

Dr. Watkins earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Medical School in Denver. He completed his residency at University of Florida Health Sciences Center in Jacksonville, and the J. Allen Lacey Fellowship in Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstruction at Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic in Orlando, Florida.​

Related Video down arrow

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Professional Summary down arrow

  • State Licenses
    Wisconsin

    Areas of Interest
    Arthroscopic procedures for the shoulder and knee Basic fracture care Hip and knee replacements

    NPI
    1457339079

Patient Ratings down arrow

4.9
out of 5 (175 ratings, 33 comments)
4.9
Provider explanations of my problem
4.9
Provider concern for my questions
4.9
Provider's efforts to include me in treatment decisions
4.9
Provider's discussion of proposed treatment
4.9
My likelihood of recommending this provider

Patient Comments down arrow

Comments are also gathered from the Press Ganey patient satisfaction survey and displayed in their entirety with the exception of any language that may be considered slander, libel or contain private health information, which will be removed prior to publishing.
Comments are from Press Ganey surveys. Slander, libel and private health information are removed.
Sort by:
June 30, 2025
This was my first visit with Dr. Watkins. He was very informative, listened to me regarding my knee problem, and was detailed in offering me the choices I have in dealing with the problem.
July 5, 2025
Dr. Watkins did a great job of reviewing my x-rays, their meaning, and potential future options. Very thorough and personable, thank you!
July 7, 2025
Dr. Watkins was very thorough and caring. He is a great asset to your organization here in Minocqua.
July 11, 2025
Excellent.
July 19, 2025
Friendly and knowledgeable, answered my concerns. I never felt rushed.
July 30, 2025
Dr. Watkins was very thorough in his diagnosis of my medical condition and explanation of the various treatment options available to me, making clear that I am "the driver" of those decisions! He also offered his support of those decisions such as physical therapy referral! Very Pleased!
August 26, 2025
Good
September 3, 2025
Dr. Watkins was great throughout my time at Marshfield Climic. He is a great addition to the Staff
September 20, 2025
Excellent! Dr Watkins explained, listened, took his time. Awesome bedside manners
September 24, 2025
Very thorough and detailed
September 26, 2025
Dr Watkins and Kayla are a wonderful team
October 6, 2025
Dr. John Watkins was exceptional. He was friendly, supportive and clearly addressed all of my concerns I made the decision to have surgery at the Marshfield Minocqua Center because of his professionalism and concern for me personally.
October 18, 2025
Dr very informative and good discussion.
November 3, 2025
The doctor was top notch. I felt well informed and taken care of. Thank you!
November 17, 2025
Dr Watkins removed a large amount of fluid from my shoulder with excellent technique and minimal pain.
November 20, 2025
Great experience. Dr Watkins made me want to have the surgery. Total trust
November 21, 2025
Dr. Watkins explained my condition well.
December 2, 2025
Dr Watkins is thorough, empathetic, kind, and clear about the different options
December 2, 2025
Dr. Watkins did a very good job explaining things to me - very clear.
December 11, 2025
Dr. Watkins is incredible and I would highly recommend him.
December 21, 2025
Dr. Watkins answered all of our questions very courteously and in ways that everyone on the call could understand
January 6, 2026
Dr. Watkins did a great job of explaining my treatment and recovery expectations. I will without a doubt recommend him to others.
January 23, 2026
Absolutely will recommend Dr. Watkins what a great asset to the Marshfield Clinic.
February 9, 2026
Explained everything well and tried to ease my fears. Answered all questions.
February 9, 2026
Dr. Watkins is good at explaining things, and told me to contact him with any further problems if I felt it necessary
February 19, 2026
Dr. Watkins addressed every question and circumstance that I raised. His explanations were thorough and clear.
February 21, 2026
Dr. Watkins listed to my concerns and explained things quite well.
February 26, 2026
I am very pleased with Dr. Watkins. HE explains everything, listen to my concerns and questions. I am very comfortable with his answers. He has a friendly way about him.
June 26, 2025
Explained things really well. Was very complete in his exam.
October 29, 2025
Dr. Watkins is very personable person. Great bedside manner - just a good doc and person. So caring.
November 20, 2025
Dr not sure what is wrong so treatment options was good
January 8, 2026
Lots of information including on options provided very quickly so took time to absorb & didn't think of questions until later.
December 3, 2025
Good doctor expalined WELL!
December 3, 2025
Good doctor expalined WELL!
January 8, 2026
Lots of information including on options provided very quickly so took time to absorb & didn't think of questions until later.
June 26, 2025
Explained things really well. Was very complete in his exam.
October 29, 2025
Dr. Watkins is very personable person. Great bedside manner - just a good doc and person. So caring.
November 20, 2025
Dr not sure what is wrong so treatment options was good
June 30, 2025
This was my first visit with Dr. Watkins. He was very informative, listened to me regarding my knee problem, and was detailed in offering me the choices I have in dealing with the problem.
July 5, 2025
Dr. Watkins did a great job of reviewing my x-rays, their meaning, and potential future options. Very thorough and personable, thank you!
July 7, 2025
Dr. Watkins was very thorough and caring. He is a great asset to your organization here in Minocqua.
July 11, 2025
Excellent.
July 19, 2025
Friendly and knowledgeable, answered my concerns. I never felt rushed.
July 30, 2025
Dr. Watkins was very thorough in his diagnosis of my medical condition and explanation of the various treatment options available to me, making clear that I am "the driver" of those decisions! He also offered his support of those decisions such as physical therapy referral! Very Pleased!
August 26, 2025
Good
September 3, 2025
Dr. Watkins was great throughout my time at Marshfield Climic. He is a great addition to the Staff
September 20, 2025
Excellent! Dr Watkins explained, listened, took his time. Awesome bedside manners
September 24, 2025
Very thorough and detailed
September 26, 2025
Dr Watkins and Kayla are a wonderful team
October 6, 2025
Dr. John Watkins was exceptional. He was friendly, supportive and clearly addressed all of my concerns I made the decision to have surgery at the Marshfield Minocqua Center because of his professionalism and concern for me personally.
October 18, 2025
Dr very informative and good discussion.
November 3, 2025
The doctor was top notch. I felt well informed and taken care of. Thank you!
November 17, 2025
Dr Watkins removed a large amount of fluid from my shoulder with excellent technique and minimal pain.
November 20, 2025
Great experience. Dr Watkins made me want to have the surgery. Total trust
November 21, 2025
Dr. Watkins explained my condition well.
December 2, 2025
Dr Watkins is thorough, empathetic, kind, and clear about the different options
December 2, 2025
Dr. Watkins did a very good job explaining things to me - very clear.
December 11, 2025
Dr. Watkins is incredible and I would highly recommend him.
December 21, 2025
Dr. Watkins answered all of our questions very courteously and in ways that everyone on the call could understand
January 6, 2026
Dr. Watkins did a great job of explaining my treatment and recovery expectations. I will without a doubt recommend him to others.
January 23, 2026
Absolutely will recommend Dr. Watkins what a great asset to the Marshfield Clinic.
February 9, 2026
Explained everything well and tried to ease my fears. Answered all questions.
February 9, 2026
Dr. Watkins is good at explaining things, and told me to contact him with any further problems if I felt it necessary
February 19, 2026
Dr. Watkins addressed every question and circumstance that I raised. His explanations were thorough and clear.
February 21, 2026
Dr. Watkins listed to my concerns and explained things quite well.
February 26, 2026
I am very pleased with Dr. Watkins. HE explains everything, listen to my concerns and questions. I am very comfortable with his answers. He has a friendly way about him.
June 26, 2025
Explained things really well. Was very complete in his exam.
June 30, 2025
This was my first visit with Dr. Watkins. He was very informative, listened to me regarding my knee problem, and was detailed in offering me the choices I have in dealing with the problem.
July 5, 2025
Dr. Watkins did a great job of reviewing my x-rays, their meaning, and potential future options. Very thorough and personable, thank you!
July 7, 2025
Dr. Watkins was very thorough and caring. He is a great asset to your organization here in Minocqua.
July 11, 2025
Excellent.
July 19, 2025
Friendly and knowledgeable, answered my concerns. I never felt rushed.
July 30, 2025
Dr. Watkins was very thorough in his diagnosis of my medical condition and explanation of the various treatment options available to me, making clear that I am "the driver" of those decisions! He also offered his support of those decisions such as physical therapy referral! Very Pleased!
August 26, 2025
Good
September 3, 2025
Dr. Watkins was great throughout my time at Marshfield Climic. He is a great addition to the Staff
September 20, 2025
Excellent! Dr Watkins explained, listened, took his time. Awesome bedside manners
September 24, 2025
Very thorough and detailed
September 26, 2025
Dr Watkins and Kayla are a wonderful team
October 6, 2025
Dr. John Watkins was exceptional. He was friendly, supportive and clearly addressed all of my concerns I made the decision to have surgery at the Marshfield Minocqua Center because of his professionalism and concern for me personally.
October 18, 2025
Dr very informative and good discussion.
October 29, 2025
Dr. Watkins is very personable person. Great bedside manner - just a good doc and person. So caring.
November 3, 2025
The doctor was top notch. I felt well informed and taken care of. Thank you!
November 17, 2025
Dr Watkins removed a large amount of fluid from my shoulder with excellent technique and minimal pain.
November 20, 2025
Dr not sure what is wrong so treatment options was good
November 20, 2025
Great experience. Dr Watkins made me want to have the surgery. Total trust
November 21, 2025
Dr. Watkins explained my condition well.
December 2, 2025
Dr Watkins is thorough, empathetic, kind, and clear about the different options
December 2, 2025
Dr. Watkins did a very good job explaining things to me - very clear.
December 3, 2025
Good doctor expalined WELL!
December 11, 2025
Dr. Watkins is incredible and I would highly recommend him.
December 21, 2025
Dr. Watkins answered all of our questions very courteously and in ways that everyone on the call could understand
January 6, 2026
Dr. Watkins did a great job of explaining my treatment and recovery expectations. I will without a doubt recommend him to others.
January 8, 2026
Lots of information including on options provided very quickly so took time to absorb & didn't think of questions until later.
January 23, 2026
Absolutely will recommend Dr. Watkins what a great asset to the Marshfield Clinic.
February 9, 2026
Explained everything well and tried to ease my fears. Answered all questions.
February 9, 2026
Dr. Watkins is good at explaining things, and told me to contact him with any further problems if I felt it necessary
February 19, 2026
Dr. Watkins addressed every question and circumstance that I raised. His explanations were thorough and clear.
February 21, 2026
Dr. Watkins listed to my concerns and explained things quite well.
February 26, 2026
I am very pleased with Dr. Watkins. HE explains everything, listen to my concerns and questions. I am very comfortable with his answers. He has a friendly way about him.
February 26, 2026
I am very pleased with Dr. Watkins. HE explains everything, listen to my concerns and questions. I am very comfortable with his answers. He has a friendly way about him.
February 21, 2026
Dr. Watkins listed to my concerns and explained things quite well.
February 19, 2026
Dr. Watkins addressed every question and circumstance that I raised. His explanations were thorough and clear.
February 9, 2026
Explained everything well and tried to ease my fears. Answered all questions.
February 9, 2026
Dr. Watkins is good at explaining things, and told me to contact him with any further problems if I felt it necessary
January 23, 2026
Absolutely will recommend Dr. Watkins what a great asset to the Marshfield Clinic.
January 8, 2026
Lots of information including on options provided very quickly so took time to absorb & didn't think of questions until later.
January 6, 2026
Dr. Watkins did a great job of explaining my treatment and recovery expectations. I will without a doubt recommend him to others.
December 21, 2025
Dr. Watkins answered all of our questions very courteously and in ways that everyone on the call could understand
December 11, 2025
Dr. Watkins is incredible and I would highly recommend him.
December 3, 2025
Good doctor expalined WELL!
December 2, 2025
Dr Watkins is thorough, empathetic, kind, and clear about the different options
December 2, 2025
Dr. Watkins did a very good job explaining things to me - very clear.
November 21, 2025
Dr. Watkins explained my condition well.
November 20, 2025
Dr not sure what is wrong so treatment options was good
November 20, 2025
Great experience. Dr Watkins made me want to have the surgery. Total trust
November 17, 2025
Dr Watkins removed a large amount of fluid from my shoulder with excellent technique and minimal pain.
November 3, 2025
The doctor was top notch. I felt well informed and taken care of. Thank you!
October 29, 2025
Dr. Watkins is very personable person. Great bedside manner - just a good doc and person. So caring.
October 18, 2025
Dr very informative and good discussion.
October 6, 2025
Dr. John Watkins was exceptional. He was friendly, supportive and clearly addressed all of my concerns I made the decision to have surgery at the Marshfield Minocqua Center because of his professionalism and concern for me personally.
September 26, 2025
Dr Watkins and Kayla are a wonderful team
September 24, 2025
Very thorough and detailed
September 20, 2025
Excellent! Dr Watkins explained, listened, took his time. Awesome bedside manners
September 3, 2025
Dr. Watkins was great throughout my time at Marshfield Climic. He is a great addition to the Staff
August 26, 2025
Good
July 30, 2025
Dr. Watkins was very thorough in his diagnosis of my medical condition and explanation of the various treatment options available to me, making clear that I am "the driver" of those decisions! He also offered his support of those decisions such as physical therapy referral! Very Pleased!
July 19, 2025
Friendly and knowledgeable, answered my concerns. I never felt rushed.
July 11, 2025
Excellent.
July 7, 2025
Dr. Watkins was very thorough and caring. He is a great asset to your organization here in Minocqua.
July 5, 2025
Dr. Watkins did a great job of reviewing my x-rays, their meaning, and potential future options. Very thorough and personable, thank you!
June 30, 2025
This was my first visit with Dr. Watkins. He was very informative, listened to me regarding my knee problem, and was detailed in offering me the choices I have in dealing with the problem.
June 26, 2025
Explained things really well. Was very complete in his exam.

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