Ralph Garretson III, MD
Orthopedic Surgery

Some of the world’s most talented physicians started out as engineers. For Dr. Ralph Garretson, his engineering background has provided a considerable amount of insight into the mechanical principles of orthopedic surgery. In addition to providing general orthopedic services, Dr. Garretson specializes in shoulder problems, including rotator cuff tears, arthritis, trauma and instability. Board certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Garretson works with a team of compassionate specialists whose primary focus is to return each patient to greater mobility.

Education and Training
After earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in 1996, Dr. Garretson completed the Rush University Medical Center Surgical Internship and Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program. Following, he completed the University of Pennsylvania Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship Program. Prior to medical school, Dr. Garretson earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Dartmouth College, and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Stanford University.

Honors and Awards
Among his many academic honors, Dr. Garretson received a full tuition scholarship research award from Stanford University, and he graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth College. In addition, Dr. Garretson is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Research
Dr. Ralph Garretson’s research has been published in Arthroscopy, Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, and the American Journal of Sports Medicine. He has also presented findings from his research at a wide variety of symposiums, conferences, meetings, and orthopedic Grand Rounds. In 2001, one of his presentations—the dynamic contact pressure in the patellofemoral joint—won first place at Rush Thesis Day, and third place at the Orthopaedic Research & Education Foundation’s 4th Midwest Resident’s Research Symposium at the University of Chicago.

Employment
Dr. Garretson joined Fauquier Health as a private practice physician with Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center in 2002, right after he completed his fellowship program.

Learn more about our orthopedic physicians on our orthopedic service page.