Foot and ankle surgeon joins USA Health’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Jess Mullens, M.D., will treat patients for a variety of orthopaedic issues including sports injuries, foot and ankle fractures, ligament and tendon problems and arthritis.
By Brittany Otis
botis@health.southalabama.edu
USA Health’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery expands with the addition of Jess Mullens, M.D., a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon.
Mullens will treat patients for conditions including sports injuries, foot and ankle fractures, ligament and tendon problems and arthritis.
He pursued orthopaedic surgery and the foot and ankle specialty because of personal and family issues.
“My grandmother suffered from Type 2 diabetes and developed several foot wounds, and I helped care for her, which led to my interest,” Mullens said. “In college, I played basketball, which led to my own foot and ankle injuries. My experiences give me a unique perspective for athletes wanting to return to performing at a high level.”
Mullens said he was always drawn to surgery and wanted to be a part of the process.
“The interactions with other surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, techs and staff was a unique experience within the operating room,” he said. “I was drawn to the way bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments work together to provide people the ability to walk, run and perform activities. I wanted to be a part of a specialty that could help those who had lost the ability to do the activities they love.”
While working at an academic health center, Mullens, an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery, wants to broaden the study of the foot and ankle specialty.
“I would like to participate and lead more foot and ankle research, particularly in the areas of diabetic foot care and sports-related foot and ankle injuries,” he said. “I believe that resident and medical student education is the most important part of being on the faculty at USA. I am excited to be able to teach, mentor and encourage others to pursue a future in foot and ankle orthopaedics.”
Mullens earned a medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine in Birmingham. He completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the USA College of Medicine and a fellowship in the foot and ankle specialty at The Steadman Clinic at Vail Health Hospital in Vail, Colorado.
Mullens sees patients on the third floor of the Strada Patient Care Center in Mobile. To make an appointment, call (251) 665-8200.
