MEET YOUR SURGEONS
David Heeringa, D.O.
Dr. Heeringa is an innovative and board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon with years of experience providing complete general orthopedic care to all ages, from young athletes to aging individuals, and everyone in between.
Known for his compassion and dedication, Dr. Heeringa is committed to helping all of his patients achieve successful outcomes so they can enjoy an improved quality of life.
After obtaining his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in 2006, Dr. Heeringa served his residency at Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Afterward, in 2011, he brought his surgical skills and expertise to Hastings Orthopedic Clinic, a private practice in Hastings, Michigan. The practice later became known as the Advanced Orthopedic and Pain Institute at Pennock Hospital, and then the Orthopedic and Pain Center at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital. Dr. Heeringa remained part of the surgical team in Hastings up until he opened his private practice, Thornapple River Orthopedics, with colleague, Dr. James Horton.
Dr. Heeringa is actively involved in and passionate about his profession, holding memberships in the American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, and Michigan State Medical Society. He’s also been a Clinical Instructor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine since 2012.
In addition to his specialties of anterior hip arthroplasty, trauma and fracture care, and knee and shoulder arthroplasty and arthroscopy, Dr. Heeringa is experienced in revision joint replacement, rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, general hand surgery and trauma, ligament reconstruction (including sports injuries), and general foot and ankle surgery. He is also the most experienced Anterior Hip Replacement surgeon in the Grand Rapids area.
Specialties
- Anterior total hip arthroplasty
- Trauma and fracture care
- Knee and shoulder arthroplasty & arthroscopy
Education
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Michigan State University of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI – 2006
Bachelor of Science: Biology
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI – 2002
Board Certification
American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery – March 2015
James Horton Jr., D.O.
Dr. Horton received a Doctor of Osteopathy degree and started his career in 1995 with an internship at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. His residency followed in 1997, gaining experience and skills at Millcreek Community Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. Then, in 2001, Dr. Horton brought his expertise to Hastings, Michigan, and began performing surgery at Hastings Orthopedic Clinic, where he continued to treat patients until joining forces with his colleague, Dr. Heeringa.
Dr. Horton decided to return to private practice because it allowed him to be more patient-focused and more efficient at helping his patients return to healthy, active lives.
He always puts his patients first, and finds it extremely gratifying to treat musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, then witness patients’ satisfaction with outcomes as they get back to doing the things they love.
His devotion to his patients and career is embodied by his affiliations, serving as Staff Physician at Pennock Hospital in Hastings, as well as Courtesy Staff Physician at both Allegan General Hospital in Allegan, Michigan, and Ionia County Memorial Hospital in Ionia, Michigan.
Dr. Horton is also board-certified and an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and Michigan Orthopedic Society.
Experienced in a wide array of general orthopedics, he treats such conditions as rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, achilles injuries, trigger fingers, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
His specialties include arthroscopic shoulder and knee procedures, chronic tendon care, and total knee replacements utilizing TRUMATCH DePuy technology.
Specialties
- Total knee replacements
- Shoulder and knee Arthroscopy
- Chronic tendon conditions
Education
Doctor of Osteopathy
Kirksville College of Orthopedic Medicine, Kirksville, MO – 1995
Bachelor of Science
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI – 1990
Board Certification
American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery – September, 2003
OUR TEAM
Chris Born, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Chris is a board-certified Physician Assistant, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Grand Valley State University, and a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago, Illinois. He has worked with Dr. Horton his entire career as an Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant since 2008. Chris is a dedicated member of Physician Assistant Orthopedic Surgery, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants.
Corey Hirdes, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Corey graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University, and later earned a Masters of Medical Science and Physician Assistant Studies from Western Michigan University. He’s since accrued over five years of orthopedic experience. Corey has been commissioned in the Michigan Army National Guard since 2012 and lives in Jenison, Michigan with his wife and two children. As a lover of sports and an athlete himself, Corey has a deep understanding of athletic injuries and provides an excellent perspective.
Nikki Grode, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Nikki possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences as well as a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies. She has a sports medicine background with experience as a Medical Assistant/PT Tech at Sports Medicine Associates, and a Medical Assistant at the Institute of Athletic Medicine. She has worked with Dr. Horton since she started in orthopedics over 4 years ago as a Physician Assistant at Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedic and Pain Center. Nikki is a member of American Academy of Physician Assistants and Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery.
Call us to schedule an appointment today: 616.266.9100