Dr. Joel Frazier, MD

Media Releases

Restoring Function and Quality of Life with Expert Care and Compassion

Joel Frazier, MD, a distinguished hand, wrist, and elbow surgeon, has been serving the Modesto community through his private practice, Joel Frazier, MD, PC, since October 2018. With a steadfast commitment to patient safety, detail-oriented practice, and improving quality of life, Dr. Frazier has established himself as a trusted expert in orthopedic care for patients of all ages.

His extensive experience encompasses a wide spectrum of orthopedic management, catering to adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population. With a particular emphasis on sports-related injuries, Dr. Frazier focuses on preservation, repair, and reconstruction of joints, bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. His goal is to restore function and motion to his patients, allowing them to return to their daily activities and passions.

Dr. Frazier recognizes that patient care is about more than just treating injuries; it’s about understanding the individual and their unique needs. He strives to provide comprehensive care that encompasses both non-surgical options and surgical interventions when necessary, ensuring that his patients receive the best possible outcomes.

Comprehensive Care for Complex Conditions

Dr. Frazier’s practice addresses a diverse range of orthopedic issues, from common ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger fingers to complex fractures and dislocations of the fingers, hand, wrist, and elbow. He is adept at treating tendon injuries, ligament reconstructions, joint replacements, tendon transfers, and nerve transfers for severe nerve injuries.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Frazier has played a pivotal role in advancing treatment options for Dupuytren’s contracture, having helped develop and bring to market the largest provider of Xiaflex in California’s Central Valley for its non-surgical treatment.

A Strong Educational Foundation and Professional Journey

Dr. Frazier’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Binghamton University, followed by a Medical Degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his residency in general surgery and a research fellowship in microsurgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and then pursued orthopedic surgery residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center. His fellowship in hand and microsurgery at New York University Medical Center further solidified his expertise.

Dr. Frazier’s extensive career began in 1993 as an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in the Department of Orthopedics, where he specialized in hand surgery for seven years. Following this, he moved into private practice as an Independent Contractor in various orthopedic and sports medicine centers in California, including Southern California Orthopedic/Sports Medicine Center (2001-2002), Wilshire Orthopaedic and Medical Associates, Inc. (2002-2003), and the Los Angeles Orthopedic Center (2002-2005), where he focused on hand, wrist, and elbow surgery while also serving as a Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) for the State of California.

In 2005, Dr. Frazier joined the Orthopedic Reconstructive Center in Oklahoma City, where he specialized in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, treating a wide range of upper extremity conditions. His work involved both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for fractures, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and sports injuries. During this time, Dr. Frazier was also actively involved in clinical research, serving as Principal Investigator and Co-investigator for the Health Research Institute of the Orthopedic Foundation, where he contributed to various pharmaceutical trials related to orthopedics, pain management, and rheumatology.

Dr. Frazier’s leadership expanded in 2007 when he became the Medical Director at One Core Health: Orthopedic Hospital and Tower Day Surgery, overseeing clinical operations and strategic development. His role included managing a budget, ensuring quality medical care, and fostering physician education and community relations. By 2008, he was also serving as the Compliance Officer and a member of the Infection Control Committee at the Orthopedic Institute.

From 2008 to 2016, Dr. Frazier continued to make significant contributions at the Orthopedic Reconstructive Center and Orthopedic Institute, where he was promoted to President. He managed multiple entities, including the Orthopedic Hospital, Tower Day Surgery, and Southwest Open MRI, while focusing on strategic development, quality assurance, and physician recruitment.

In 2016, Dr. Frazier transitioned to hand, wrist, and elbow surgery in Washington at The Doctors Clinic, further expanding his expertise in upper extremity care. He returned to California in 2018, where he continued to serve as a Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgeon, first with Valley Orthopaedics Bone and Joint and later with Tenaya Medical Group. 

Commitment to Education and Community Engagement

Dr. Frazier remains dedicated to education and mentorship, serving as a Clinical Instructor at Valley Medical Orthopedic Residency. He takes pride in guiding the next generation of orthopedic surgeons, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience in the field.

As a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the Mid-America Orthopedic Association, the American Medical Association, and the California Orthopedic Association, Dr. Frazier remains at the forefront of advancements in orthopedic care.

Acknowledgments and Personal Passion

Recognition of Dr. Frazier’s contributions to the field includes accolades such as Marquis Who’s Who in the World (2017), America’s Top Orthopedists by Consumers’ Research Council of America (2008 – 2017), and Most Compassionate Doctors by Patients’ Choice Award (2009-2011), among others. These honors reflect his dedication to patient care and professional excellence.

Outside of his surgical practice, Dr. Frazier enjoys a range of personal pursuits. He is a passionate dog lover, having previously owned national winning German Shepherd show dogs and currently enjoying the companionship of boxer dogs. Dr. Frazier also has a rich background in the family business of breeding, training, and showing international champion horses. 

In his leisure time, he loves to travel, with Maui, Hawaii being a favorite destination, and enjoys hiking and snow skiing. He is also committed to philanthropy, participating in charitable efforts to build homes for underserved families in Tijuana, Mexico.

Conclusion

Dr. Joel Frazier is not just a surgeon; he is a dedicated healthcare professional committed to restoring quality of life through expert orthopedic care. His extensive experience, combined with his compassionate approach to patient treatment, makes him a valuable asset to the Modesto community. Whether through surgical interventions or non-surgical treatments, Dr. Frazier continues to make a significant impact in the lives of his patients, helping them regain mobility and enjoy an active lifestyle.

Recommended Articles

• What are the Symptoms of Huntington's Disease?

  Huntington’s disease, earlier known as Huntington’s chorea, is a genetic disorder characterized by the degeneration of neurons in brain. This inherited disorder may affect a person's movement, thinking, and behavior. This disease affects about 15,000 people in the country, and about the same...

• What Causes Lactose Intolerance?

  Lactose is a compound of two simple sugar molecules. It is formed by the condensation of galactose and glucose, found in a large variety of dairy products including milk, cheese, cream, and yogurt. Lactose is produced naturally by all mammals to nurse their offspring’s. In nursing infants and...

• Understanding the Different Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

  When mentioning diabetes, people mostly think about high blood sugar, problems associated with poor blood flow, and possible complications if the patient fails to follow their treatment plan. However, one important symptom that constantly gets sidelined (despite being partly responsible for diabetic...

• Digestive Health of Children

  Kids can be so unpredictable when it comes to eating – they may complain about stomach pain when they are very grumpy, but may keep quiet when they really feel bad. Most children settle into a better eating pattern and the complaints about stomach aches also reduce. Some of these are true warning...

• Telltale Signs of Dehydration

  Seventy percent of the human body consists of water and the human brain tissue is said to consist of nearly 85% water. Water is required in the human body to keep it healthy and function efficiently. When the amount of water intake matches the amount of water that is excreted then the body’s water...

• What Is Recovery Like for Radiation Therapy?

  After undergoing radiation therapy, the patient will be instructed on what to do, the appointments to keep, and everything they will need to know to make a full and safe recovery. Recovery usually depends on a lot of factors, but the following are some of the important ones:...