David T. Watson, M.D.

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I take great pleasure in seeing people return to their active lifestyles after successful reconstruction.

Dr. Watson is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and board certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is fellowship trained in Orthopedic Trauma and Adult Reconstruction and Arthritis Surgery. He received his Medical degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He performed his Orthopaedic Residency and Internship training at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada and completed his first fellowship training in Adult Reconstruction at Cornell University Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. He completed a second fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma at Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Watson cares for patients with severe musculoskeletal injuries, specializing in fracture-related problems and pelvis and hip reconstructions.

Dr. Watson is an assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of South Florida and a staff traumatologist with Orthopaedic Trauma Service, a division of Florida Orthopaedic Institute. He serves as a member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, the Florida Medical Association, and the International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.

**Accepting Workers’ Compensation

Testimonials

I am incredibly pleased with the care my son received from Dr. Watson. The entire process was so smooth — quick scheduling with Shawn, minimal wait times, and quality medical care. We appreciate all that Dr. Watson and the team at FOI did for us and recommend them to anyone seeking care for foot trauma.

Lauren R.

Dr. Watson is highly rated, who is very knowledgeable, and experienced. He explained the procedure I’m scheduled for in a kind manner. All the staff were exceptionally kind – at the office and staff I spoke to on the phone prior to my appointment!

Wanda R.

Two years out from my knee replacement and into the office for x-rays and a check-up. Dr. Watson, as always, was very attentive and answered all my questions. The front desk staff was very efficient, and the X-ray tech was extremely polite and precise. Dr. Watson and his staff get an A+.

Bill C.

I have had great experiences with Dr. Watson and the entire staff. Everyone smiles and goes out of their way to help/ Dr. Watson is wonderful, skilled, caring, and thorough.

Linda J.

I had my hip replaced last August. Dr. David Watson was my surgeon, and after a year from my surgery, I affirm that I was so lucky that he did it. The surgery took less than an hour and a half. I didn’t feel any pain even I was so surprised when he told me – we did the operation…The same day I walked out of Tampa General Hospital, and within a week, I was able to walk without crutches, and six weeks after surgery, I was able to walk normally. I’m very grateful to Dr. Watson and his supporting staff for bringing me back to normal. No limping, no pain!! I strongly recommend any patient who is reluctant to do a hip replacement to contact Dr. Watson and never be afraid of the operation outcome. Thank you very, very much, Dr. Watson!

Zhuljeta M.

In January, my husband had a terrible accident and was airlifted to TGH. His leg was severed and the staff and team attempted to save it. Without success, his leg was amputated. As you can imagine, myself, my husband and our entire family were set into a world spin. Throughout the entire trauma, Dr. Watson and his staff were and are nothing but miraculous. The team works so good together. Every time we go to see the doctor, the team is professional and extremely helpful especially Kerry who is always so pleasant and acts like we are family. I cannot say enough about how the team including Dr. Watson and Kerry has and have helped us make a tragedy to be bearable. They mean the world to us.

Kathy C.

Upon my fourth week of recovery from hip replacement surgery, I am thrilled to share that my experience has been nothing less than amazing with Dr. Watson. His surgical assistant, Stephanie and office staff, Kerry and Shawn, and the physical therapy staff were all wonderful. Thank you all for caring and clearly demonstrating your knowledge, skills and professionalism resulting in life changing happiness for me! I am grateful Dr. Watson was referred to me by a friend after his surgery experience was a success. I would not hesitate choosing Dr. Watson again if I needed his service in the future and I do not hesitate referring him to anyone else now. He is awesome and he is busy. Be patient! Thank you, Dr. Watson! Shout out to Debbie, the operator. Your help was greatly appreciated and FOI is fortunate to have you.

Kathy R.

I received two new hips through Florida Orthopaedic Institute with Dr. David Watson. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless! So when I started having problems with my neck, Florida Orthopaedic Institute was my natural go-to for relief. My pain management doctor is now Dr. Howard Jackson. His front desk staff is great, very friendly and competent and checking in on the tablet is quick and easy. You can even make your copayment on the tablet! His P.A. Elizabeth is great too. Personable, caring and more than competent to take care of my needs when I don’t see Dr. Jackson himself. I’ve had five neck injections so far at the surgery center which is also quick and super professional. They always call me afterwards to check in after a procedure too. I was with a different medical group for awhile and I gladly returned to the FOI family.

Dianne G.

Absolutely wonderful doctor. Complete compassion for his patients and willing to do whatever it takes to keep you going. Like starting an operation on you at 9:30pm. Highly recommend.

Don G.

I had my right hip replaced by another doctor in August 2017 due to bone on bone arthritis. From the start, I knew something was wrong, however I had the first doctor and another tell me that nothing was wrong. My issue was getting worse so I started looking for a doctor in Tampa. I saw great recommendations for Florida Orthopaedic Institute. I called and set up an appointment with Dr. Watson. He informed me that the hip cup was extremely introverted. He performed a revision and I could tell from the start that it was correct. Dr. Watson and Stephanie Cooke saved my life basically because it was to the point where I could barely walk. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs a hip replacement or revision.

Becky Z.

Dr. Watson was great! Straight and upfront. Surgery was as planned. Very small scar compared to most encounters from other comparisons.

Matt C.

Dr. Watson is very professional and serious about his work and patients. Staff is nice and keeps the office moving. This doctor is enjoyable to visit!

Debbie H.

Dr. David T. Watson is excellent! I knew I was in good hands and he prescribed the right course to restore my active lifestyle. The staff is amazing. I highly recommend.

Theo P.

Excellent. Very competent. Thorough and absolutely a capable doctor. I have had the best experience with my hip surgery in every way. If I ever need any other orthopedic surgery, Dr. David Watson will do it! I highly recommend him.

Felicia J.

Dr. Watson and his APRN listened to my symptoms, reviewed the X-rays taken and examined the area of my complaint. I have always been satisfied with their diagnosis and prescribed treatments. I have referred him to several of my friends as I respect his ability to diagnose and treat.

Betty B.

I never had any hip problem until I fell in rehab after a heart attack and broke my left hip. I was taken to TGH and told that I would never walk without a complete hip replacement. Very blessed I got the right doctor and had little pain.

Marie S.

Had a labrum tear in my hip joint, as well as severe ITB inflammation coupled with Greater Trochanteric Bursitis. Dr. Watson performed surgery. The whole office visit, subsequent surgery and post-op visit went very well. Dr. Watson and Stephanie went through everything in great detail. I have full faith.

Sunil Bandarupalli

Dr. Watson and Stephanie Cooke, APRN, make a tremendous medical/surgical team. Dr. Watson is very personable and professional. Dr. Watson and Stephanie are very engaging and demonstrate a true investment in me as a person and patient. I am ten days post-op and I have great range of motion and zero pain after a total hip replacement! Unfortunately, I will need a total hip replacement for my right hip soon. Without any hesitation, I will be going to Florida Orthopaedic Institute and Dr. Watson will be my surgeon.

Mickey T.

My experience with Dr. Watson was excellent. He listened to my issues and we came to a mutual decision regarding the problem. I didn’t feel rushed even though I knew he was running behind that day. He explained the pros and cons of the surgery well. I would highly recommend him.

Karen

Dr. Watson took on my 82 year old mom after another physician tried to repair her broken hip. When we found that she had been trying rehab on a broken femur for two weeks, we knew we had to find another doctor. Dr. Watson was on call at TGH and was able to completely redo my mom’s hip for the second time in two weeks. My mom was a healthy active senior and Dr. Watson’s plan was to return her to that same lifestyle. He always greets us with a smile and a handshake. Well worth any wait in a busy office.

RateMDs Review

Dr. Watson repaired and replaced my mother’s hip after another surgeon made a mess of it two weeks prior. The other surgeon said my mother may never walk again. Dr. Watson had her walking 12 hours after the second hip replacement. We can’t thank him enough. Would give 10 stars if I could.

Vitals Review

Dr. Watson is very personable, professional and thorough. He doesn’t hurry and listens to your concerns and responds appropriately. A very professional and easy to talk to Doctor.

RateMDs Review

We love Dr. Watson! He always makes us comfortable when answering our questions and he listens to our concerns. His answers are straightforward and we trust his judgement.

RateMDs Review

Dr. Watson is wonderful. I just hiked a path up to the top of Whiteface Mountain in NY to an elevation of 4867′ which never would have been possible without having a total hip replacement last February. He and his team are amazing. Thank you so much for giving me a new active lifestyle.

Patient

I had a great experience with Dr. Watson and Stephanie. They both were very personable and courteous. My apprehension was calmed in a professional manner and the knee injection was painless.

UCompareHealthcare Review

Dr. Watson is an excellent, caring surgeon. I was up and about very quickly following a total hip replacement with very few restrictions. This experience turned out to be less stressful and much easier than anticipated.

RateMDs

We can easily see how important Claudia is to Dr. Watson and Florida Orthopaedic Institute. As busy as the office is, she always gets the patient name and information right. I called from the car on the way home from Alabama after a fall on my new knee. She was able to make me an appointment. A few days later, it was busy and she still had time for a hug. Dr. Watson is such a professional. While looking at my knee, he pointed out some swelling in both lower legs, and he suggested that I see my primary care doctor. I did a few days later and he is running some tests as Dr. Watson’s keen eye was right on the mark and knew something was not right. I’ve seen Dr. Watson a number of times and he is always comforting, tries all routes before surgery, and a great diagnostician. I’ll keep recommending FOI to my friends and family.

RateMDs

Dr. Watson is a fine doctor and a fine gentleman. I feel confident with the way he examined and diagnosed my condition. I listened to all that he had to say then was able to ask my questions. I surely recommend Dr. Watson and Florida Orthopaedic Institute. Thank you, Dr. Watson.

HealthGrades Review

I am on way to walking better thanks to Dr. David Watson and Florida Orthopedic Institute. I live in St. Petersburg, Florida and was seeing a physician here for a few months after a fall with two fractures in my left leg, one was a tibial plateau fracture. I also needed total knee replacement. I received 2 second opinions and the last physician referred me to FOI and Dr.Watson. At my first appointment they took X-Rays and I started getting set up for surgery. I am now a month away from surgery and doing great.

Google Plus Review

In December of 2011, Dr Watson and I met by accident. I had fallen at work and ruptured the tendon that attached the hamstring to my pelvis. The hamstring had retracted into my upper leg, so Dr Watson performed surgery to reattach the hamstring to my pelvis. I would refer this man to anyone. I have no side affects and the leg is just a strong as before the accident. Five and a half months after the surgery I was back to work. I felt so good I even started to go the gym. Great job Dr. Watson and god bless you and your staff!

Keith J.

Dr. Watson is the Best!!!!! I am a 54 yr old guy and I needed a total hip replacement. From the start I was at ease. It has been a year and I have never felt better. I referred a friend of mine to Dr. Watson and she had a knee replacement in September. You’re the best Dr. Dave and it is always nice to see that big smile; it lets us all know we are in good hands.

I cannot thank you enough!

John W.

Dr. Watson treated me in May 2013 for a right hip impingement with amazing results. I returned to Dr. Watson and had the left hip done in December of 2013. I have to say that Dr. Watson’s surgery and post operative care has given me my life back. I am a very active 46 year old female who plays golf, loves yard work and walking my dogs 3 miles a day and I now have NO PAIN and increased range of motion. Dr. Watson truly has a gift for helping people. Thank you so much Dr. Watson!

Debbie T.

Dr. Watson is amazing. He is a gifted surgeon. After two hip replacements and having the second dr. fracture my femur in multiple places Dr. Watson showed such concern for the mess I was left with. After blood work and a CT the picture was clear my last surgeon didn’t do the job. I actually had a bone sticking out on the X-Ray. The pain was unbelievable. Dr. Watson spent a lot of time with me and shared his concerns. CT showed it was much worse than I thought. Dr Watson did surgery in April. I do look like the bionic woman but he put me back together. Still have therapy and working hard to be able to walk again. I would never go to anyone else. This man is a trauma surgeon who fixed difficult cases. I am so grateful I found him.

Jill T.

WOW The best doctor in the world,my hero.I was in a terrible hit and run ccident.Dr.Watson was able to save my leg and my arm.The arm was questionable,but Dr.Watson did it. My family and I give this credit to he lord and Dr.Watson. I will never be able to Thank you enought. Thanks again!

 

Leana M.

Credentials

  • Fellowship, Orthopedic Trauma, Florida Orthopaedic Institute
  • Fellowship, Adult Reconstruction, Hospital for Special Surgery, Cornell University
  • Residency, Orthopedics, Queen’s University
  • Medical Degree, Dalhousie University

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