Christopher R. Chuinard. MD, MPH, FAOA

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Get to know Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Christopher Chuinard, who serves patients in Traverse City, Michigan.

Dr. Chuinard, an established orthopaedic surgeon, practices at Great Lakes Orthopaedic Center in Traverse City, Michigan. His specialties include shoulder and elbow surgery including primary and revision joint replacement, sports medicine, elbow arthroscopy, endoscopic carpal tunnel, shoulder and elbow fracture and reconstruction, pediatric shoulder and elbow care, as well as general orthopaedics. 

With a track record of over 1,000 successful shoulder replacements, Dr. Chuinard has played a key role in introducing new technologies in open and arthroscopic surgery to the market, including pioneering arthroscopic nerve releases. His patented shoulder arthroplasty implants are utilized globally and internationally reported outcomes data from his work have been integral to FDA studies. His expertise with these techniques led to his selection as one of the few surgeons in the West teaching these methods in Asia.

Dr. Chuinard’s educational journey began with his undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University in 1993. He pursued his Medical Degree alongside a Master’s Degree in Public Health at Louisiana State University, graduating in 1999. 

Moving on to specialized training, Dr. Chuinard completed his residency at The University of Missouri – Kansas City, in 2005. His dedication to honing his skills continued with fellowships in shoulder and sports medicine under Professor Pascal Boileau in Nice, France, from 2005 to 2006. He furthered his expertise in elbow surgery as a Visiting Clinician at Mayo Clinic in 2006. 

Recognized for his accomplishments, Dr. Chuinard was selected as the AANA Traveling Fellow in 2010, solidifying his commitment to advancing orthopaedic knowledge and practices.

Board certified in orthopaedic surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopaedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopaedic surgeons.

Dr. Chuinard has been chosen for membership in prestigious organizations such as the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA), the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES), the Association of Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons (ACESS), and the European Shoulder and Elbow Society (SECEC) by his peers. His involvement includes serving on the Value Committee of the ASES and holding the position of Past President of ACESS. Additionally, he contributed as a question writer and reviewer for the Shoulder and Elbow section of the ABOS board exam and subspecialty exams, and he has been a reviewer for several orthopaedic journals.

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

Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Chuinard has authored multiple book chapters and papers on both open and arthroscopic techniques of the shoulder and elbow. His expertise has led him to be an invited speaker and lecturer around the world, including performing live surgery. He routinely serves as a faculty instructor at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Chicago, teaching other orthopaedic surgeons advanced techniques of shoulder and elbow surgery. Furthermore, he has been a “key opinion leader” for several orthopaedic companies for arthroscopic implants, shoulder replacements, and elbow replacements.

Dr. Chuinard continues his teaching interests by sponsoring clinical outcomes research rotations for medical students from both U of M and Michigan State.

When not working or traveling, he enjoys cycling, practicing yoga, and fly-fishing. However, his favorite pastime is spending time with his wife and two daughters.

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