Joseph C. Schaffer, MD

Joseph C. Schaffer, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries and other disorders of the shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow. Dr. Schaffer joins Hughston Clinic Orthopedics after completing subspecialty fellowship training in sports medicine.

Dr. Schaffer is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He received dual undergraduate degrees in History and Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech, where he graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into the distinguished Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Prior to entering the medical field, he worked as a naval architect for the U.S. Department of the Navy. During that time, he discovered his true calling was medicine, where he could provide personalized care for individual patients on a daily basis. He went on to earn his medical degree from The University of Virginia, where he was recognized for his outstanding performance with acceptance into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He then completed both his orthopedic surgery residency and sports medicine fellowship at the esteemed University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY. Under the direction of Michael D. Maloney, MD, Dr. Schaffer trained in advanced arthroscopic techniques and state-of-the-art sports medicine care. During his time in Rochester, Dr. Schaffer provided medical care for athletes from St. John Fisher College, Rochester Red Wings Baseball (AAA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins), Rochester Rhinos Soccer, Nazareth College, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, and the U.S. Tennis Association Pro Circuit.

Dr. Schaffer has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and his research has been presented at the national and international levels. He utilizes advanced state-of-the art technology to provide compassionate, personalized care for each individual patient. His greatest joy is to return patients of all ages and activity levels to healthy, productive lifestyles. Dr. Schaffer provides full-spectrum care for the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow, with emphasis on both non-operative and arthroscopic treatment of sport-related injuries. He also has special interests in knee-preservation and patellofemoral disorders, as well as complex shoulder reconstruction and arthroplasty.

Dr. Schaffer is excited to join Hughston Clinic, to be a part of the Nashville community and serve its needs. Outside of work, Dr. Schaffer enjoys his own athletic pursuits as well as spending time with his wife and two children.