Herbert J. Thomas III, M.D.

“There are two keys to good orthopaedic health: flexibility and strength. A 71-year old woman tennis player had a torn cartilage, and two weeks after surgery, she had no swelling, full range of motion, was back to playing tennis and never saw me again.

"One of the greatest challenges as an orthopaedic surgeon is the care of complex fractures, especially those that involve joints. It is at that time that careful, accurate work is critical to successful recovery.”

Dr. Herbert Thomas has been a member of the Denver orthopaedic community since 1979. He has been a partner with Orthopaedic Physicians of Colorado since its inception in 1994.

Dr. Thomas, originally from Holland, Michigan, received his M.D. degree from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. He then traveled to Burlington, Vermont, where he completed his surgical internship and orthopaedic residence at the University of Vermont. Post residency training in hand surgery was performed with Dr. Raoul Tubiana in Paris, France. Dr. Thomas then returned to Atlanta, Georgia, for additional study at the Sports Medicine Clinic with Dr. Fred Allman.

Upon moving to Denver in 1979, Dr. Thomas joined the staff at Denver General Hospital, now Denver Health and Hospitals, and was an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at University of Colorado Health Science Center.

Dr. Thomas served as director of Orthopaedic Trauma at Denver General from 1984 until his departure into private practice in 1987. Dr. Thomas remains interested in orthopaedic trauma and complex fractures. He is a charter member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Hospital Association, now the Orthopaedic Trauma Association.

Dr. Thomas is also an active participant and past president of the Western Trauma Association. His current activities at Swedish Medical Center include Chairman of the Quality Medical Executive Committee and Orthopaedic Laison to the Trauma Service. He was also the most recent past chairman of the Department of Surgery at Swedish Medical Center.

Dr. Thomas’ orthopaedic interests include reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, and fractures and orthopaedic trauma. He has a special interest in complex fractures including those of the pelvis and acetabulum.

Like most Coloradans, Dr. Thomas enjoys a variety of recreational activities: Skiing, fishing and hunting. He also plays tennis and enjoys running. He ran the 100th Boston Marathon and is a yearly Bolder Boulder participant.

Most importantly, Dr. Thomas enjoys his patients. He understands their orthopaedic problems as well as their concerns. Dr. Thomas appreciates the opportunity to help patients maximize their recovery.