Locations
| Schedule An Appointment | Clinical Office Address |
|---|---|
| (801) 587-7109 | Primary Children's Hospital 100 N Mario Capecchi Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84113 |
| (801) 587-7109 | University Orthopaedic Center 590 Wakara Way Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Map |
Bio
Dr. Thomas Higgins is an Associate Professor with Tenure at the University of Utah, Department of Orthopaedics. His medical was completed at Brown University, School of Medicine. His orthopaedic training was at Yale University, and post-graduate fellowship at the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He has been on the faculty at University of Utah since 2000.
Dr. Higgins clinical expertise is in the treatment of complex intra-articular injuries, pelvic and acetabular trauma, and musculoskeletal care in the setting of polytrauma. His elective practice focuses on the deformity correction, malunions, and nonunions.
The author of over twenty peer-reviewed publications and multiple book chapters, Dr. Higgins main area of research interest clinically has been plateau fractures. In basic science, Dr. Higgins has explored the roles of IGF-1 and intra-articular inflammatory markers in post-traumatic arthritis, the effects of opiates on bone healing, and the structure of heterotopic ossification. He has been primary investigator or co-investigator on four OTA grants, two AO grants, and an OREF grant. His most recent research has focused on the genetics of trauma and the use of opiate analgesics in the trauma setting.
In the educational sphere, Dr. Higgins is recognized nationally for his research and presentations of tibial plateau fractures. He has been active with orthopaedic education with AO North America, chairing two courses, and teaching at over thirty. Previously a member of the OTA Education Committee, he has also chaired multiple resident courses for the OTA. He has received the annual teaching award twice at the University of Utah.
He currently serves on the OTA Board of Directors, and is the Program Chair for the OTA Annual Meeting. In 2009, Dr. Higgins served as the OTA/AAOS Landstuhl Visiting Scholar, and has been visiting professor at multiple universities.
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics - Associate Professor |
| Board Certification | American Board of Orthopedic Surgery |
Patient Ratings
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
UofU Patient February 23, 2014
From Higgins (my surgeon, come monday) to the surgical coordinator (lindsley) everyone was very caring to not only my personal lifestyle but to my medical care preferences. I'm also a smoker, which when it comes to bone healing is quite detrimental. I was not lectured with a "smoking is bad. stop" worthless speech. I was spoken to with science and evidence and research backing up such claims, PLUS sympathy that yes, it's an addiction, it's not easy to give up. I really appreciated the respect and sympathy and tough love, from EVERYONE I encountered!
UofU Patient February 15, 2014good
UofU Patient February 15, 2014Dr. Higgins has exceeded my expectations as a provider. I feel so fortunate to have him as my specialist. He is knowledgeable and professional, but with a personal bedside manner. I would recommend him to my closest family and friends.
UofU Patient February 03, 2014I really like how Dr Higgins gives me parameters regarding what I need to watch for in monitoring my L femur (Fosamax related problems) so that I know when to get back with him, and understand what I can do to minimize damage over time.
UofU Patient December 16, 2013I like how Dr Higgins will go over information, until he know I understand. he gives me parameters to help me take care of my bone health, which is so important to me.
UofU Patient December 16, 2013Dr. Higgins is a great doctor. He is friendly and shows concern for my condition. I would recommend him to anyone.
UofU Patient November 04, 2013I was so impressed with every single person that helped me. From the ER visit to the x-ray tech, to the nurses, to my surgeon...I loved everyone!!!
UofU Patient October 14, 2013Never had a bad experience. Dr. Higgins is the best!!!
UofU Patient October 09, 2013Dr. Higgins is an excellent Physician. He is very respectful, knowledgeable and always makes you feel like he really cares about your medical care. Extremely pleased with him.
UofU Patient October 08, 2013Everything was excellent except we were not educated on the infusion system which was of a type new to us.
UofU Patient October 07, 2013Dr. Higgins and his staff were great! Explanations were clear, concerns were resolved.
UofU Patient September 23, 2013good
UofU Patient September 07, 2013He is seeing someone that I recommended go to this clinic.
UofU Patient September 03, 2013it always amazed me that Dr. Higgins remembered that I lived 3 hours away and worked around this. He is great.
UofU Patient August 29, 2013Dr. Higgins kindly followed up with me later in the day to provide the name of a provider in the city to which I am moving.
UofU Patient August 26, 2013extremely impressed with Dr. Higgins. trusted him from the moment I met him in the e.r. I felt completely confident after our consultation and I am grateful to him for being my surgeon.
UofU Patient August 12, 2013I know drs. are busy, but he seemed in such a rush I wasn't real comfortable with that!
UofU Patient August 07, 2013When I asked a question the doctor stopped and listen and the responded. I felt like he listened to my concern.
UofU Patient July 09, 2013I already have recommended him.
UofU Patient June 27, 2013I could not be happier about my interactions with Dr. Higgins. He is a knowledgable provider who is an excellent communicator. He takes considerable effort to incorporate me into the decision making process. The housestaff should however be reminded to introduce themselves and explain their roles.
UofU Patient May 08, 2013When we brought my daughter in, she had a condition that required immediate surgury. Dr. Higgins made a great effort on our behalf to avoid an emergency room visit. We waited while he made phone calls to pcmc to get everything arranged for us. It took almost an hour, but we were kept informed by dr. Higgins as he stepped in to talk to us (between patients I am sure) and let us know what calls he had made and the timeline we were looking at. It was a very good experience, even though it was unexpected.
UofU Patient April 30, 2013Great surgeon. Very kind and informative.
UofU Patient April 29, 2013Doctor acted like he didn't believe me when I told him the extent of the problems I have been experiencing
UofU Patient February 14, 2013Appreciated Dr. Higgins using a model pelvis to explain my fractures.
UofU Patient January 28, 2013Dr Higgins has provided me excellent care and access to him during my ordeal
UofU Patient January 27, 2013Very informative second opinion. Dr. Higgins detailed the treatment I was receiving with explanations and possible prognosis in a very understandable way. Great visit.
UofU Patient January 14, 2013dr higgins has always been comsistently outstanding when it comes to explaining the situation and what needs to be done. he always shows the greatest compassion and concern for your situation
UofU Patient December 26, 2012Dr. Higgins Rocks!
UofU Patient December 03, 2012Dr. Higgins was great- just seemed a bit rushed, which is to be expected in a quick follow up. However, any questions I have after the fact I know I can have answered if I were to call or email. The only confusion ever came with how I should proceed with future visits/appointments/etc, but was cleared up after a phone call to the clinic.
UofU Patient October 15, 2012Dr. Higgings was AMAZING! Caring, thoughtful, engaging. When I called in with a question to the practice, I figured it would be a few days before I heard from a PA or Resident. Instead, Dr. Higgins called me back within minutes. I am so incredibly thankful to have found him for my daughter.
UofU Patient October 01, 2012As I mentioned, the caregivers are excellent and we have the utmost confidence in the care given at your facility.
UofU Patient September 03, 2012I've been dealing with a non-union of a fractured femur since 11/1/10. Dr. Higgins efforts are finally beginning to show some results and the leg is making new bone. Dr. Higgins rocks!
UofU Patient August 28, 2012Thanks for the excellent care and concern.
UofU Patient August 27, 2012Dr. Higgins is very professional and cares for his patients.
UofU Patient August 17, 2012Dr. Higgins has all the "Right Stuff". He lives "It's about the People" and as a patient you feel it. He is very professional, knowledgeable, and concerned. I would recommend him to anyone. I am very grateful to have had him as my care provider. I have great confidence in him. I cannot say enough! Thank You.
UofU Patient June 30, 2012Had another complaint that we wrote on the form and the assistant talked to us about, but the Dr. didn't follow-up on or address at all.
UofU Patient March 07, 2012Good.
UofU Patient March 07, 2012Dr. Higgins is exceptional. Having been to several other orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Higgins shows a level of care and LISTENING and RESPECT that I have not seen from other orthos. The U of U Ortho center is lucky to have Dr. Higgins on staff. He gives greater credibility to the whole organization. I did a lot of research trying to find the very best orthopedic trauma surgeon in the state--I have no doubt that Dr. Higgins is (without exception) the very best.
UofU Patient February 01, 2012I live in NY, but because of the quality of physicians and care at the U of U, I have continued to use this facility for follow up care.
UofU Patient January 11, 2012The Best
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.