About North Country Orthopaedic Group
Our Mission
At North Country Orthopaedic Group, we are dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of northern New York with unwavering commitment to excellence. Our primary goal is to provide our patients with the highest quality medical care in a compassionate and efficient manner. We take pride in delivering warm and caring professional service, upholding the highest ethical standards, and empowering our patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Our Story
In the summer of 1959, amidst the historic opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Dr. Walker R. Heap, a recent graduate of Yale School of Medicine, introduced the practice of orthopaedic surgery to the North Country. Arriving in Watertown that July after completing his orthopaedic training at the University of Michigan, Dr. Heap wasted no time in establishing his practice. Within a few weeks, he saw his first orthopaedic patient at our original location, 161 Clinton Street. Dr. Heap's reputation as a skilled surgeon quickly spread, leading to an overwhelming demand for his services. To meet this growing need, he reached out to fellow University of Michigan alumnus, Dr. James B. Fish, who joined him in this endeavor.
Throughout the 1960s, the practice flourished, and by 1970, a third Michigan-trained orthopedist, Dr. David O. Van Eenenaam, had joined the team. The practice moved to a modern 11,000-square-foot facility at 622 Washington Street and officially incorporated as North Country Orthopaedic Group, PC (NCOG). Over the ensuing decades, the field of orthopedics evolved rapidly, and NCOG adapted accordingly. We continually recruited newly trained orthopedic surgeons to ensure we remained at the forefront of surgical techniques and medical advancements, a commitment we uphold to this day.
Look Toward the Future
As we continue to expand and adapt, our steadfast commitment remains unchanged: delivering the highest standard of orthopedic care to our patients while fostering the well-being and job satisfaction of our dedicated team. Together, we anticipate a bright future that not only upholds our invaluable reputation within the community through consistently exceptional patient service but also enhances our dedication to research and training, further elevating the field of orthopedic care right here in the North Country.
Board-Certification
The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) plays a pivotal role in setting educational benchmarks for orthopaedic residents while rigorously assessing the initial and ongoing qualifications and knowledge of orthopaedic surgeons. Attaining board certification signifies the completion of comprehensive training, confirming a surgeon's high level of competence. This recognition involves thorough evaluation by surgical peers and meticulous testing to ensure strict adherence to the established standards of practice.
At North Country Orthopaedic Group, we proudly affirm that all our surgeons hold board certification, or they are actively engaged in the two-year certification process (board-eligible). While note all hospitals in the North County employ board-certified surgeons, we firmly believe that board certification holds significant importance in ensuring the highest quality of care and expertise in the field of orthopaedics.
Click here to find out if your surgeon is board-certified.
For more information about the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery certification, click the links below:
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