John J Fitzgerald
MD
Assistant Medical Director + Staff Physician
“I became a physician because I wanted a career that combined caring and science.”
Dr. John Fitzgerald has practiced medicine in Indiana for more than 30 years, and he has lectured on interventional pain management throughout the United States. He enjoys getting to know his patients and creating individualized treatment plans.
Dr. Fitzgerald specializes in radiofrequency ablation – RFA – a procedure in which a radio wave heats a nerve ending to decrease pain signals. This treatment helps alleviate pain that originates in the spine.
Background
Dr. Fitzgerald previously served as the chair of anesthesiology at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was also a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service – a role that helped him see the true impact of chronic pain and motivated him to pursue pain management as a career focus.
Personal Life
A native of Lake County, Indiana, Dr. Fitzgerald has lived with his wife in Indianapolis for more than 20 years. His interests include forestry, farming, history, and philosophy.
EDUCATION
1986-1989
Residency/Fellowship
Indiana University Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Indianapolis
Focus on Pain Management, Pediatric Anesthesiology
1982
Medical School
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
Doctor of Medicine
1983
Internship
Mercy Medical Center, Denver, CO.
1977
Undergraduate
Hillsdale (MI.) College
Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Major in Biosciences and English Literature
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
American Board of Anesthesiology
– Board Certification in Anesthesiology: 1990-indefinitely
– Sub-Certification/Re-Certification in Pain Medicine: 1996-2006, 2007-2016, 2017-2027
American Board of Pain Medicine: 1994
American Academy of Minimally Invasive Spinal Medicine: 1999
INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATIONS
Medical Director, West Colbert Health Clinic, Cherokee, AL.: 1984-1985
National Health Service Corps Recognition Award: 1985
Chairman, Anesthesiology Section, Department of Surgery, Methodist Hospital of Indiana,
Indianapolis: 1995
MEDICAL SOCIETIES
American Medical Association
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Academy of Pain Management
American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
Indianapolis Medical Society
Indiana State Medical Associations
PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH
Guest Lecturer, University Hospital of Maastricht, The Netherlands: 1998
Lecturer at Inaugural Meeting, American Academy of Minimally Invasive Spinal Medicine and Surgery: 1999
Lecturer at various spinal medicine, medical and osteopathic conferences in Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, and Tennessee: 1999-2006