Mr. Douglas E. Garland, MD

Media Releases

Get to know Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Douglas E. Garland, who serves patients throughout the State of California.

Dr. Garland is a hard-working, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon who has been in practice for over four decades. Since January of 1977, he has been a Clinical Professor of Orthopedics at the University of Southern California. 

Among his most notable achievements, Dr. Garland is the author of ‘The Tall Poppy Syndrome: The Joy of Cutting Others Down.’

Tall Poppy, in Australian terms, is someone noticeably successful as defined by wealth, prestige, prowess, rank or even birth that may attract hostility, envious attention, or malevolence. Some people holding this Tall Poppy person in contempt may attempt to cause failure or disgrace by “cutting” him or her “down to size”; thus causing their target to be “tall-poppied” as a victim of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” (TPS). 

“My goal in writing about TPS and sharing my experiences with others is that readers of Tall Poppy Syndrome will learn about this syndrome and discover answers to these questions and more. My book describes the history of TPS, with a full section devoted to societal benefits of tall poppies and their qualities. Other chapters describe emotions and syndromes such as bullying and schadenfreude, both which have similarities to TPS, as well as examples of Tall Poppies, Fallen Poppies, including Fallen Poppies with the U.S. government as a cutter” expressed Dr. Garland. 

His acclaimed career in medicine began in 1969 after he completed his medical studies at Creighton University School of Medicine. He then went on to perform his internship at Creighton University School of Medicine, his residency in orthopedic surgery at Tulane University, and his neuromuscular fellowship with the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.

With expertise in a wide variety of advanced techniques and procedures, the doctor is board certified in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopedic surgeons.

In addition to serving as Medical Director of the Joint Service at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center from January 2010 - January 2015, Dr. Garland served as chief of four service units, including spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. 

Among his professional affiliations, he is an active member of the American Medical Association, the American Orthopedic Association, and the American Spinal Injury Association.

Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

Happily married, Dr. Garland and his wife, Cindy, reside on the California central coast. He enjoys hiking and gardening.

Recommended Articles

• What You Need to Know About Osteoporosis

  Osteoporosis is a medical condition that if diagnosed on time could be preventable and successfully treatable. In literal terms, osteoporosis means ‘bones with holes’. It is often called “the silent thief” because bone loss occurs without symptoms.But what is osteoporosis? According to WHO...

• Can Sleeping with Hand Braces Slow Down Muscular Dystrophy?

  In patients with muscular dystrophy, contractures usually occur as muscle breaks down. They begin at a very tender age of about 8 to 13. What this means is that muscles and tendons of the patient's wrists and hands tighten. Did you know that not all muscles lose strength at the same time? Hand...

• Can I Walk After a Knee Replacement Surgery?

  Yes, you can walk after a knee replacement surgery. The main goal of the surgery is for you to walk using an artificial knee and get back to your normal life. In fact, it is highly recommended that you immediately use your artificial knee.You need to know that walking again will require your...

• Scoliosis Symptoms and Causes

  Scoliosis often occurs in kids below the age of puberty. Some of the most common signs of scoliosis happen to be the following:...

• Will I Need Surgery If I Have Tennis Elbow?

  Will I need surgery if I have Tennis Elbow?Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain in the elbow, and it mainly results from overusing the elbow. The condition mainly affects tennis players but it can also affect other athletes and sporting enthusiasts. It...

• Arthritis: Arthroplasty and Joint Replacement

  What is arthroplasty?As the name suggests, arthroplasty is a procedure that is performed on the joints. These procedures are limited. Therefore, arthroplasty is usually the last option for the patient as well as the physician. The purpose of arthroplasty is to repair stiffened joints, relieve pain,...