Orthopedic surgeon
John T. Heineman, M.D., M.P.H.
Locations: Des Moines (Downtown), Clive, Johnston, Newton, Pleasant Hill

About Dr. Heineman
Dr. John Heineman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, focusing on treatment of upper extremity disorders, injuries, and soft tissue reconstruction. He completed a combined orthopedic and plastic surgery hand fellowship at the University of Washington, with training at Harborview Medical Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Heineman is a proud Iowa native from Grinnell. He attended the University of Iowa for college, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with honors in biology and political science. After volunteering at the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic, he swam across the English Channel as a fundraiser to support the clinic’s mission of service. He was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by the example set by his father as a rural family medicine physician and his mother as a nurse.
Dr. Heineman attended medical school at Oregon Health & Science University, where he served as class president. He obtained a master’s degree in public health at Harvard University, with his thesis examining hand replantation versus transplantation outcomes. He completed general surgery residency at the University of Iowa followed by plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of Virginia, serving as chief resident at both institutions. Throughout his training, he has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles, presented at regional and national conferences, and received grants and best paper awards.
Within the Des Moines community, Dr. Heineman serves as wound care director for Select Specialty Hospital, medical support for RipRoar Kids Triathlon, and board member for the House of Mercy.
Dr. Heineman values time spent with his wife and two children. He enjoys being outside and has finished the Boston Marathon, Hawaii Ironman, Leadville Trail 100, and American Birkebeiner. His favorite week in Iowa is RAGBRAI.
University of Washington; Seattle, WA
Residency
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – University of Virginia; Charlottesville, VA
General Surgery – University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA
Graduate Degree
Harvard University; Boston, MA
Medical Degree
Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR
Undergrad
University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA
Base of thumb arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Distal radius fractures
Dupuytren’s contracture
Epicondylitis
Flexor and extensor tendon injuries
Fractures of fingers, hand and wrist
Ganglion cysts
IME
Infections
Ligamentous injuries of fingers, hand and wrist
Masses of fingers, hand, and wrist
Soft tissue injuries
Sports-related injuries
Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries
Trigger finger
Ulnar tunnel syndrome
Upper extremity nerve injuries
Work-related injuries
My Team
Patient Reviews
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