Michael J. Willenborg, M.D.
Medical Education
- University of Texas – Houston Medical School – M.D.: 1997- Houston, Texas
Board Certification
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery since 2015
Biography
Dr. Michael Willenborg grew up in Arlington, Texas, where he attended James Martin High School before playing collegiate golf at the University of Texas at Arlington. He later earned his medical degree from the University of Texas-Houston and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Wake Forest University. Dr. Willenborg then pursued specialized fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery in Houston.
Dr. Willenborg’s path to medicine was driven by a passion for science, a love of problem-solving and a desire to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives. He was drawn to orthopedic surgery for its hands-on nature and its ability to restore mobility, relieve pain and improve quality of life in tangible and lasting ways. His interest in foot and ankle care developed from a fascination with the intricacy of their anatomy and biomechanics, as well as the challenge of helping patients regain function in such a foundational part of the body.
At Orthopedic Associates, Dr. Willenborg specializes in treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions including sports injuries, fractures, arthritis, tendon disorders and complex deformities like bunions and flatfoot. His approach combines advanced surgical techniques with conservative care whenever possible. He has a strong interest in minimally invasive procedures, total ankle replacement, and the latest implant technologies that help patients recover faster and with fewer complications.
Dr. Willenborg has been practicing in Flower Mound since 2007. After several years of practicing in Victoria, Texas, he and his wife moved back to the Dallas–Fort Worth area to raise their family close to home. Now as longtime residents of Highland Village, Dr. Willenborg and his wife remain deeply connected to the community they are from and value the relationships they’ve built over the years.
His philosophy of care centers on listening first. He works closely with each patient to understand their goals, tailor treatments to their lifestyle and provide a clear path forward whether that involves physical therapy or surgical intervention. His aim is always to help people return to what they love doing with as little disruption as possible.
Outside of work, Dr. Willenborg stays active with daily running or weight training. He also enjoys playing golf with his wife and exploring new destinations through golf travel. A fan of live music, he gravitates toward smaller venues that offer an intimate and authentic experience.
Fellowship, Residency, & Internships
- The Foundation for Orthopaedic Athletic & Reconstructive Research Foot and Ankle Surgery Houston, Texas – 08/02 – 7/03
- Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Winston Salem, North Carolina – 7/98 – 6/02
- Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Department of Surgery Winston Salem, North Carolina – 7/97 – 6/98
Honors & Awards
- Alpha Omega Alpha – Honor Medical Society
- Book Chapters
- Willenborg MJ, Phoehling GG: “Knee Biomechanics” in Masters in Arthroscopy. [CD ROM] Mosby-Saunders.
- Book Reviews
- Willenborg, MJ: Chapman’s Orthopaedic Surgery, 3rd Edition. Arthroscopy, October 2001, Volume 17, Number 8, pages 898-899.
- Willenborg, MJ: Treatment and Rehabilitation of Fractures. Arthroscopy, June 2001, Volume 17, Number 4.
- Willenborg, MJ: A-Z Orthopaedic Radiology. Arthroscopy, June 2001, Volume 17, Number 4.
- Journal Articles
- Willenborg MJ , Koman, LA: Management of iliopsoas spasticity: Ultrasound-guided active EMG directed Botulinum A toxin injection in cerebral palsy. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Vol 22, No. 2, 2002.
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