Ian MacLean, MD

Biography

Helping patients become active, and students become surgeons

Ian MacLean, M.D. understands the tremendous effect the ability to move and exercise has on a person’s physical and psychological well-being. It’s why this orthopaedic surgeon is so passionate about helping people become active again.

“I want people to be able to engage in their activities and hobbies without pain,” MacLean says. He may help recreational athletes manage acute injuries and return to exercise. Or get competitive student-athletes back into the game. Or treat people to get them back to their jobs, or help them walk, jog or gain their independence again. “I find helping people across all these situations very rewarding.”

MacLean specializes in both non-surgical and operative treatments for a broad range of orthopaedic conditions touching the bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. He is trained in advanced arthroscopic and minimally invasive treatment options most commonly affecting the shoulder, knee and hip. “But as any competitive or recreational athlete knows, sports injuries also affect other joints in our bodies and I also manage those,” he says.

He treats shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears, cartilage and meniscus injuries as well as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and other knee-ligament injuries. When surgery is required, MacLean opts for the least invasive methods available for less pain and fast recovery. Treatment also means potentially avoiding specific activities for a period, following a home exercise program or physical therapy.

But one of the most important skills required of an orthopaedic surgeon isn’t taught in school: Listening. “People will automatically recognize expertise and skill, but that’s just the base of creating a relationship of trust that is necessary to move forward. My treatment for any condition always begins with a thorough understanding of the events that led you to my office,” he says. “Every patient is unique and presents with varying expectations and goals regarding their body. I cannot provide effective care if I don’t understand your priorities. Once I have a full understanding of the problem, my primary objective is to provide education and treatment options.”

He is grateful to be part of VCU Health, which has an established reputation for being the place people go for top-tier orthopaedic expertise — whether a “simple” medical issue or one that’s more complex. “At VCU, I am surrounded by other physicians who, like me, are passionate about providing exceptional patient care and contributing to the advancement of orthopedic research,” says MacLean, who completed a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Virginia.

MacLean embraces the changes and innovations that are transforming surgery and helping patients achieve better outcomes. However, he believes it’s critically important to assess the supporting evidence before implementing new techniques.

“Incorporating techniques with strong scientific support not only helps me better care for patients, but it keeps me thoroughly interested and engaged with this amazing field,” he says.

In addition to his role as a healthcare provider, MacLean is an assistant clinical professor at the VCU School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Throughout his own education, he has benefited from strong mentors who have helped him hone his professional craft — and in return, he’s always sharing his own knowledge with doctors in training.

“I love working with medical students, residents and fellows,” he says. “I was fortunate to learn from excellent instructors who made a strong impact on the way I care for people and the manner in which I practice medicine. I am happy to be able to pass this on.”

Advice to patients

Bring a friend or family member to your appointment. This person can make sure the right questions are asked and key information is remembered. A supportive friend or family member frequently thinks of questions that do not occur to the patient; they can be a “double check” for you and ensure you leave the appointment with as much information as possible. In addition, studies show that while the majority of individuals are confident they remember all the information provided during an office visit, up to half of people actually forget key factors regarding their diagnosis and treatment. A support member can give you peace of mind that you accurately recall everything you need.

Research Interests

Improving patient experience and outcomes, rotator cuff treatment and injury prevention