John E. McDonald, Jr., MD
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy
As a sports medicine physician, John McDonald, Jr., MD specializes in hip, knee, and shoulder arthroscopy as well as general orthopedics.
A sports enthusiast all his life, Dr. McDonald encourages a team approach with shared decision making with each of his patients. From the very first appointment, an emphasis is placed on the patient’s values, preferences, goals, and expectations. A thorough discussion will also include the current and best scientific literature and Dr. McDonald’s opinion based on his extensive training and expertise. When patients, their families, physical therapists, and physicians all work together, the patient can achieve a quicker recovery and the success they desire through nonsurgical or surgical means.
Patients enjoy Dr. McDonald’s friendly, open, and personalized approach to care. He encourages questions and always takes the time to get to know his patients and thoroughly understand their concerns.
Dr. John McDonald is an active member of the teaching faculty of Dell Medical School’s Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program where he is working to advance the field of musculoskeletal care and training the next generation of physicians and surgeons. Learn more
In addition to his fellowship training, Dr. McDonald received training in knee and shoulder surgery in Norwich, England.
Dr. McDonald has been voted by his peers to the Texas Monthly Super Doctors Rising Star list from 2017-2019 and to the Texas Monthly Super Doctors list in 2019-2024. He has been recognized as the Austin Fit Magazine Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. Dr. McDonald has also been on the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine National Research Committee from 2016-2020. Most recently, Dr. McDonald has been recognized by his local peers as an Austin Monthly Top Doctor in 2021 through 2025.
Watch Dr. McDonald break down the anatomy of the knee. Click HERE!
Dr. McDonald sees patients at the Northwest Austin, Central Austin, and South Austin offices of Texas Orthopedics. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McDonald, please call (512) 485-0517 or schedule an appointment online.
- Undergraduate Education:
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Medical School:
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
- Residency:
- Orthopedic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical School and Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
- Fellowship:
- Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO
- Board Certified:
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Meet Kathryn DeFord, PA-C
Physician Assistant for Dr. John McDonald
Kate DeFord was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2006, where she skied for the UT Water Ski Team. She attended the physician assistant program at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. Having a longtime interest in orthopedics, Kate opted to take three elective orthopedic rotations during her training to become a PA-C. After graduating from the UTSW PA program in 2010, she began her career working for an orthopedic surgeon at The Carrell Clinic in Dallas, Texas, specializing in hip and knee replacement. In May of 2013, Kate relocated to Austin, Texas to be closer to her family, friends, and her beloved Longhorn football. After working in Austin for a year, she came across the opportunity to work for Dr. John McDonald in June 2014. Kate has thoroughly enjoyed working for Dr. McDonald, as she shares the same drive and passion caring for patients suffering from various sports diagnoses.
Outside of Texas Orthopedics, Kate is passionate about sharing her PA experience and educating PA-C students. She has been a mentor for several PA school applicants during their admission and interview process and has been involved with admissions to the PA program at UT Southwestern, serving as an interviewer for PA candidates. Kate also served as an instructor for the physical exam course at UTSW PA program for first-year PA-C students.
In her free time, Kate enjoys water skiing, traveling, and the ever-popular Austin live music scene with her husband, son and daughter.
REVIEWS
Dr. McDonald sees patients at the Northwest Austin, Central Austin, and South Austin offices of Texas Orthopedics. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McDonald, please call (512) 485-0517 or schedule an appointment online.
