Matthew Wilkening, M.D.

“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