Dr. Matthew Wilkening is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine surgery.
Dr. Matthew Wilkening is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine surgery.
“I was in the Navy for for 10 years. I was a pilot and I really enjoyed that job, but I decided I wanted to do something that involved as much interpersonal communication and relationships as technical skill. So I decided I wanted to be a doctor.
In medical school, Dr. Matthew Wilkening fell in love with spine surgery.
“I enjoy spine surgery because the spine is very complicated, but it also still obeys simple principles. I also like the spine because it’s because the solution isn’t always surgical.
The patients Dr. Wilkening enjoys working with usually don’t come to him injured.
“Typically my patients come in with something that’s been gradually worsening throughout their life. Those are patients that we can save from a major surgery if we get them early enough. And that’s exciting when we can avoid a major surgery with some targeted interventions.
What would Dr. Wilkening like people to know about him before they make an appointment?
“I’d like patients to understand if they make an appointment with me, we’re not going in with a goal of surgery. We’re going in with a goal of making you feel better and getting there in the best way for you.”
Clinical Interests:
Dr. Wilkening specializes in spine surgery. He is interested in helping patients to find both surgical and nonsurgical solutions for all conditions affecting the neck and back.
Education & Training:
Prior to his career as a surgeon, Dr. Wilkening graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and served as a pilot in the US Navy. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, before returning to serve a tour as an advanced strike flight instructor in Meridian, Mississippi.
He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine and completed residency at Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was named intern of the year. Dr. Wilkening completed the Spinal Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, MD, where he received extensive training in both minimally invasive and complex deformity reconstruction in children as well as adults.
Research:
Dr. Wilkening has presented research in spinal deformity, trauma, and oncology in a variety of national and international forums, including the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, the Scoliosis Research Society and, most recently, at the Global Spine Congress in Singapore.
Personal:
Dr. Wilkening is active in the US Navy Reserve.
Hobbies and Interests:
Dr. Wilkening enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 children
Surgical Locations:
Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center
Parkland Medical Center
Elliot Hospital
Catholic Medical Center
Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center
St. Joseph Hospital
Specialties:
Pediatric
Spine
We go to see a doctor because we need help, we want to be heard, seen, valued, and we want more than anything to trust that our doctor has a genuine desire to care for his patient. Dr. Wilkening demonstrates his desire to provide "care" the minute he walks into the room. His smile is warm and sincere, he listens more than he talks, maintaining eye contact with you, not a computer, he reframes questions to clarify and ensure he understands what the patients concerns are, and an actual two way conversation follows, one that empowers the patient in decision making and inspires a feeling of having found someone they can trust. That was my experience as a patient, and what I observed as he interacted with others.
I appreciate the in depth explanations and exploring options prior to scheduling a surgery.
Very professional and explained everything clearly so I was able to understand
He has given me my 40's back!
Best chance I have to recover from this injury. Would highly recommend this surgeon.
Not only are Dr. Wilkenings credentials stellar, but I have found him to be consistently mild mannered, polite and patient with me. He took the time to explain all of my testing results and the reasons for his recommendations and he welcomed my follow up questions. He approaches treatment and surgery cautiously and conservatively. When I asked for a referral for a second opinion, he did not discourage it. As it turned out, the second opinion endorsed his recommendation.
Thorough MD, kind too.
Outstanding surgeon.
Very knowledgeable, friendly and excellent surgeon!
Great doctor and very personable.