Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon in Carmel, IN
Orthopedic shoulder surgeon Dr. Stephen Jacobsen and his team welcome you to Total Shoulder in Carmel, Indiana – where we diagnose and treat all forms of shoulder pain and injury. We invite you to take a moment to learn more about our doctor and his knowledgeable and experienced provider team below.
Stephen Jacobsen, MD
Stephen P. Jacobsen is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder surgeon. He provides a full and comprehensive range of medical and surgical treatments for patients suffering from shoulder pain and injury. He offers everything from conservative approaches, such as guided injections and physical therapy, to minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, as well as complete joint reconstruction.
Dr. Jacobsen has received advanced training in shoulder replacement, shoulder arthroscopy and sports medicine. He can help athletes of all stripes – from weekend warriors to professionals – recover quickly and completely, so they can get back to the game they love. He prides himself on listening to his patients and taking the time necessary to properly communicate the guidance, education, and encouragement each individual needs.
Board Certification
- Orthopedic Surgery – American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Education & Training
- MD: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School – Newark, NJ (2002-2006)
- Residency: Orthopedic Surgery – IUPUI – Indianapolis, IN (2006-2011)
- Fellowship: Shoulder and Sports medicine- Wellington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine/ University of Cincinnati– Cincinnati, OH (2011-2012)
Clinical Interests
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Shoulder Replacement
- Rotator Cuff Repairs
- Shoulder Instability
- Complex Shoulder problems
More from Dr. Jacobsen
I’ve been drawn to medicine for as long as I can remember. When I was 13, I started volunteering at the local community hospital as a candy striper. I quickly learned how gratifying it was to make an individual impact on someone’s life in a positive way. I took this concept with me as I ventured into medical school. One of my favorite parts of being a surgeon is the ability to use my knowledge and my hands to correct my patients’ problems and get them back to their lives. As I went through my training and, subsequently, my practice, I quickly discovered the affinity I have for treating shoulder problems. It is the perfect intersection of my abilities and my passion.
I grew up playing team sports; my favorite was baseball. I like to bring the “team” concept to the treatment of my patients. I strive to give them options and clearly and carefully explain the pros and cons of each decision. I find this gives patients more control over their healthcare and a feeling of empowerment. After all, it is their shoulder, and they get to make the ultimate call on what we do! One of the most important parts of my job is listening to my patients. That’s the only way to truly understand the person behind the problem, what their goals are, and what they expect from our collaboration. I am not one to tell my patients “Don’t do this” or “Don’t do that.” I prefer to let them get back to anything and everything they want to do, and we BOTH work hard to get to that point. I often joke with my shoulder replacement patients that the only lifelong restriction they have is that they are not allowed to use a jackhammer. This has not been a problem for anyone to date!
I am grateful to work in such a wonderful time for shoulder surgery. We are truly in a golden age with an incredible amount of innovation and advancement of techniques and equipment. The world of shoulder surgery is advancing so rapidly, and patients are reaping the rewards.
Ronald R. Harper, PA
Ron Harper is a certified physician assistant who has been working alongside Dr. Jacobsen since 2012. He focuses on patients with shoulder pain and injuries, and can perform examinations, diagnose medical problems, prescribe medications, and develop/manage customized treatment plans.
Board Certification
- PA-C by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Education & Training
- University of Nebraska – Lincoln, NE
More about Ron Harper
Ron graduated from Franklin College of Indiana in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He served for 15 years in the Indiana Army National Guard. It was during this time of service that he applied to and was accepted into the Interservice Physician Assistant Program. He spent two years on active duty completing his training to become a Physician Assistant. Phase 1 didactic portion of the training was at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He completed Phase 2 clinical portion of his training at Fort Riley in Kansas. When he graduated from this program, he was awarded a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. He elected to work in orthopedic surgery after his graduation, and for the last 10 years has been working exclusively with Dr. Stephen Jacobsen. Ron enjoys the collaborative relationship that he has with Dr. Jacobsen in treating patients from the immediate and surrounding communities.
Ron is married to his wife Susan, and they have four boys together. Ron enjoys fishing, hunting, volunteering at his church, and spending quality time with his family.
Melynnda Matthews, MA
Melynnda graduated in 2012 from Ivy Tech with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Medical Assisting. She became certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants in 2013. Melynnda is the grease that makes the wheels of the practice turn! She is instrumental in assisting with patient visits, office procedures such as injections, scheduling surgeries, and communicating with patients, physical therapy and other physicians’ offices. She began working with Dr. Jacobsen and Physician Assistant Ron Harper in January, 2013. Ever since she started, she has been working solely in the orthopedic field with Dr. Jacobsen and Ron. Melynnda enjoys traveling both in the US and abroad, staying active in her church, running marathons and going to Broadway shows.
Schedule your appointment to meet Dr. Stephen Jacobsen and the Total Shoulder team in Carmel, Indiana, by calling (317) 705-4392, or simply request your appointment now.
