Gary D. Hammer, M.D., Ph.D.

Shoulder Surgery

Millie Schembechler Professor of Adrenal Cancer

Director – Endocrine Oncology Program

University of Michigan

“Numbers are just numbers right?? But for my climbing family and friends, numbers can both ‘keep us grounded’ (hmmm, I am not as good as I thought I was) as well as propel us up a boulder or mountain, (a route, a problem, a wall, a rock face) Now to the “numbers” —- It has been 9 months since a major shoulder operation to repair the massive tears of my rotator cuff muscles with re-attachment of 3 left shoulder muscles (supraspinatis, infraspinatis and biceps tendon) using 6 inserted anchors/pins. Shout out to amazing orthopedic surgeon Peter Millett, MD Orthopedic Surgeon – Sports Injuries (Vail Health) and outstanding physical therapists/trainers – Nico Brown at Howard Head Sports Medicine and Medical Provider – USA Climbing) and Dale Hazard (University of Michigan MEDSPORT). It has been a journey of professional rehab with these amazing folks together with guided self-rehab every day 4-6 AM and a slow climbing progression over the last few months. Now the drumroll!!! This old guy at 52 just climbed a bunch of V6 and a V7 bouldering problems (his first at these levels) over the last couple week. Feels good to be back on rock with shoulders that are probably stronger than preinjury. I know, I know, they are indeed just numbers and some would say the climbs were weak, indoor problems and/or rated too high. Maybe!!! Doesn’t matter what matters is the journey and the motivation to return so I can still climb with my kids and wife, Lisa. So like a young schoolboy I am giddy and grateful to be back.

Onward and upward….”

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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Gary D. Hammer, M.D., Ph.D.

About the Author: Peter Millett, MD