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informationMarshfield Clinic Health System combines with Sanford Health. Learn more  
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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 (36 ratings, 7 comments)
4.9
Provider explanations of my problem
5.0
Provider concern for my questions
5.0
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!
June 26, 2025
Explained things really well. Was very complete in his exam.
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!
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!
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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