Ann Van Heest, MD
Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Contact Info
Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Graduate Medical Education Committee, University of Minnesota Physicians
Residency Program Director, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Vice Chair of Education, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Advisory Board, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Hand Section Leader, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
Medical School, University of Minnesota Medical School
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, University of Minnesota
Harvard Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery and Pediatric Hand Surgery Fellowship, Brigham and Women's Hospital / Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
I love working with kids to help them achieve greater function. My University appointment has allowed me to go to multiple children’s hospitals in the Twin Cities and provide pediatric upper extremity specialty care. This gives me the opportunity to provide a very subspecialized type of medicine, which is why I love what I do.
Summary
Dr. Van Heest is professor, vice chair of education, and the department's residency program director. As the residency program director, she received the 2011 Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award, the highest recognition for an ACGME program director. She specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery. Her academic interests include neuromuscular disorders including arthrogryposis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury, and congenital and pediatric upper extremity and hand disorders. Dr. Van Heest is also affiliated with Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Shriners Hospital for Children.
Expertise
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Awards & Recognition
Professional Associations
Research
Research Summary/Interests
- Tendon Transfer
- Cerebral Palsy
- Wrist
- Orthopedics
- Thumb
- Arthrogryposis
- Wrist Joint
- Ulna
- Articular Range of Motion
- Retrospective Studies
- Radius
Publications
Clinical
Board Certifications
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Certificate of Added Qualification (Hand Surgery)
Clinical Interests
Hand and upper extremity disorders, particularly pediatric disorders such as congenital hand deformities, cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, arthrogryposis nerve injuries, fractures or mal-/non-unions