James S. Gardiner, MD
MD
Orthopedic Surgeon — Sports Medicine
Recognition & awards
About
For more than 30 years, Dr. James Gardiner has built a reputation in this community for something patients describe again and again: he takes the fear out of having surgery.
Dr. Gardiner is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic knee and shoulder procedures, as well as partial and total knee replacement surgery. His standing in the field has been recognized well beyond his own patients — he has been repeatedly named a Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine, with multiple selections as a Top Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Physician. Most recently, he was honored as a member of the inaugural class of the Washingtonian Physician Hall of Fame — a distinction reserved for physicians whose excellence has been recognized over a sustained career, not just a single year.
A philosophy built on clarity, not assumptions
Dr. Gardiner's approach has never changed: start with a clear and accurate diagnosis, then walk through every appropriate treatment option in detail before deciding on a path forward. He believes individualized care means integrating advanced surgical technique with comprehensive non-operative management whenever that's the right answer for the patient in front of him — not defaulting to surgery because it's available.
In addition to advanced arthroscopic and joint replacement procedures, his practice offers a full spectrum of conservative treatment: structured physical therapy, regenerative medicine approaches including platelet-rich plasma and other evidence-based options aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, and improving long-term outcomes — often without surgery at all.
What patients experience
That philosophy translates directly into how patients describe him:
"Dr. Gardiner is one of the best Drs I have seen. He takes the fear out of having surgery and puts his patients at ease. I had two surgeries with Dr. Gardiner and wish all doctors had his talent to make you feel at ease."
"Excellent care in every sense. Dr. Gardiner is the perfect balance of caring expertise, personal connection, and no-nonsense medical service. He came highly recommended and I would recommend him without hesitation."
Dr. Gardiner sees patients at our Bethesda and Germantown locations and is currently accepting new patients.
Training & qualifications
Education & training
- Undergraduate: Boston College — Bachelor's of Science in Biology
- Georgetown University — Masters in Physiology
- Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine — Doctor of Medicine
- Fellowship: Seton Hall University; St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center — Sports Medicine Fellowship
Fellowships
- Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ) — Sports Medicine
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- ABOS Subspecialty Certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Professional societies & affiliations
- 30+ years of practice in Montgomery County
Professional affiliations
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
- Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)
Hospital & surgical facilities
- Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center
- Surgery Center of Chevy Chase
- Watkins Mill Ambulatory Surgery Center
Notable techniques
Patient reviews
Based on 296 verified patient reviews
“Dr Gardiner is the best Orthopaedic Surgeon around. He obviously has vast knowledge and experience. But he’s thorough, empathetic and direct. What more could you ask for.”
“Dr Gardiner took the time to explain what was occurring that was causing my "golf elbow" and sent me on my way with ways to relieve the discomfort and try to avoid it in the future. Overall this is a great practice with thoughtful, knowledgeable docs. Highly recommend”
“We highly recommend Dr. Gardiner! He helped our child a few times with broken bones over the years, so I returned recently when I needed help with my sore shoulder. He is very friendly and knowledgable and his office is very professional.”
“Always great!”
“Dr Gardiner is a fantastic doctor. He takes his time with patients, explains everything so you can perfectly understand your treatment options and is awesome with injections.”
“Prompt, clear, efficient, friendly”
“They were able to schedule a fast appointment, and when in pain that is the most important goal! Doctor was patient and explained options.”
“(Translated by Google) Very good service (Original) Muy buena atención”
“The reception staff were friendly and efficient, the wait time was reasonable, the medical staff were also friendly and efficient, and Dr. Gardiner was clear and to the point with his diagnosis of my knee problems. I'll be seeing him again for a knee replacement.”
“Dr gardner been my knee guy for over 20 years when other Dr's gave me brace an sent me packing , he fixed it instead of guessing , best dr there is.”