Benjamin M. Woodhead, DO | Lincoln, NE Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Benjamin M. Woodhead is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with advanced expertise in shoulder and upper extremity care. Raised in North Platte, Nebraska, he developed an early commitment to excellence, graduating summa cum laude from Chadron State College. While there, he was a wide receiver on the football team and earned numerous honors, including Chadron State Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, CoSIDA Academic All-American, and Most Inspirational Player.

Dr. Woodhead continued his education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, earning a master’s degree in physician assistant studies and practicing as a Physician Assistant prior to medical school. He went on to attend A.T. Still University, where he graduated in the top five percent of his class and received the Harbarger Award for Academic Excellence.

He completed his orthopaedic residency through Des Peres Hospital and St. Louis University, serving as chief administrative resident. Following residency, Dr. Woodhead was selected for one of the most competitive shoulder and elbow fellowships in the country at the University of Washington, training under world-renowned surgeon Dr. Frederick Matsen III. During his time in Seattle, he also worked with team physicians for the University of Washington Huskies and participated in the care of collegiate athletes.

Dr. Woodhead’s clinical interests include shoulder surgery, total and reverse shoulder replacement, shoulder arthroscopy, sports medicine, and upper extremity fracture management. He is actively involved in academic medicine and research, with multiple peer-reviewed publications in leading orthopaedic journals.

Central to his practice is a philosophy of shared decision-making. Dr. Woodhead believes patients should feel informed, engaged, and confident in their care. He takes a personalized approach, treating the individual rather than simply interpreting imaging studies. His guiding principle is that the patient’s best interest always comes first.

A devoted husband and father of five, Dr. Woodhead considers faith the most important aspect of his life and an integral part of his daily practice. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family, working out, golfing, and following sports.