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Ann Van Heest MD
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Hand Surgeon; Professor, University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Specialty/Specialties

Top Conditions

  • Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) All Congenital Hand and Upper Limb Anomalies Cerebral Palsy Arthrogryposis Birth Brachial Plexus Injury All Pediatric Hand and Upper Limb Conditions
*This is not a complete list of conditions
  • Ann Van Heest, MD, is a recognized expert in the field of hand and upper extremity orthopedics. She is an accomplished researcher with contributions to more than 50 papers and presentations. Much of her research has a focus on innovations in surgical simulation. Her advanced training (fellowship) in hand surgery was completed at Harvard University. 

    In addition to clinical care, she is a professor at the University of Minnesota Orthopedics Department. Her accolades have included being resident teacher of the year and hand fellowship teacher of the year. She also received the University of Minnesota Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate Education and was the recipient of the ACGME Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award. 

    Dr. Van Heest is an active member of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Board of Directors, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Pediatric Hand Study Group, Congenital Hand Anomalies Study Group. She is board certified in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery. 

    Clinical Expertise 

    Education 

    • Fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Disorders, Harvard University 

    • Orthopedic Residency, University of Minnesota 

    • Medical School, University of Minnesota 

  • I enjoy partnering with families in the care of their children to maximize each child's potential. My areas of special interest are hand and upper extremity, with special focus in children who have arthrogryposis, cerebral palsy, brachial plexus birth injuries, as well as congenital hand differences such as syndactyly, polydactyly and hand deficiencies.

  • Medical School: 
    University of Minnesota

    Residency: 
    Orthopedic Surgery, University of Minnesota

    Fellowship: 
    Hand and Upper Extremity Disorders, Harvard University

    Board Certification(s): 
    Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery; Board Certified in Hand Surgery

    • American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Board of Directors
    • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery
    • American Society for Surgery of the Hand
    • Pediatric Hand Study Group
    • Congenital Hand Anomalies Study Group
  • Find a list of Dr. Ann Van Heest's publications here.