Heidi Tonken, M.D.
- Offers MyHealth Online
This provider offers Sutter Health's electronic health record with the following online services:
- Email your doctor's office
- Prescription refills
- View test results
- Proxy access for caregivers
- Track immunizations
- Secure mobile access
- Schedule an appointment*
- Pay bills online*
* Services with an asterisk vary by doctor.
Orthopedic Medicine
Accepting new patients
Accepted Health Plans
Affiliations
- Medical Affiliations
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Palo Alto Medical Foundation
- Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
-
Sutter Medical Network
Practice Locations
Credentials & Notables
- Medical School:
-
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 1988
- Residency:
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Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Oakland and McGill University, Quebec
- Internship:
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Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Oakland
- Fellowship:
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Harry J. Buncke Microsurgery Research Fellowship San Francisco, California
Languages
- Primary Language(s)
-
English
- Additional Language(s)
-
French (Basic)
Publications
Critical Ischemia Time in Microvascular Transfer of the Serratus Anterior and Gracilis Muscles. Basic and applied myology: Perspectives for the 90's
- Article
- Unipress Padova
Yim, K., Briones, R, Lineaweaver, W., Tonken, H., Hansen, M., Pearl R., Buncke, H.J.
1991
Microvascular Transfer of the Gastrocnemius Muscle in Rats
- Article
- Microsurgery
Tonken, H., Zhang, F., Sudekum, A., Newlin, L., Buncke, H.J., Lineaweaver, W.C.
1993
Microvascular transfer of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle and Myocutaneous Flap in rats
- Article
- Microsurgery
Zhang, F., Lineaweaver, W., Kao, S., Tonken, H., Degnan, K., Newlin, L., and Buncke, H.J.
1993
Experimental Microvenous Thrombosis following Anastomosis with A Knotted Suture
- Article
- Microsurgery
Tonken, H., Zhang, F., et al.
1995
Primary Common Bile Duct Anastomosis in the Rat Using Microsurgical Techniques
- Article
- Microsurgery
Chausmorn, C., Lineaweaver, WC., Tonken, H., Zhang, F., Buncke, H., et al
1994
Additional Information
ACL joint pathology, Adolescent athletes, Arthritis of the shoulder, hip & knee, Impingement syndrome, Knee disorders, Non-surgical management of orthopedic problems, Pediatric sports medicine, Rotator cuff and shoulder instability, Rotator cuff injuries, Shoulder dislocation, Shoulder disorders, Sports-related injuries, Viscosupplementation injections
Community Activities
Former physician for Monta Vista High School football team, former volunteer physician for the San Francisco National Bodybuilding Championship
Personal Interests
Dr. Tonken enjoys travel, biking, and tennis. She also enjoys the arts, including theatre, ballet and art museums. She especially enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Philosophy of Care
I have practiced non-operative orthopedics for more than 20 years. My areas of expertise are sports injuries and arthritic joint pain. My medical background did not follow a traditional path; in addition to orthopedics, I have training and experience practicing general surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, urgent care and occupational medicine. As a result, I bring a broad perspective to my clinical practice, beyond that of a standard orthopedic evaluation.
Of particular value to my patients is my knowledge of the nonsurgical options available to them. I am particularly sensitive to the fears and anxieties that many patients experience with injuries and illnesses. For example, I have learned that some patients believe they may not need surgery, and that the physician may not have completely considered the nonsurgical alternatives before recommending surgery. I have also learned that many patients worry they may not be able to return to their preinjury state of health. These are just a few examples of my familiarity with patients' concerns, and why I place such an emphasis on discussing those concerns with patients.
I also believe it is important for patients to participate actively in the decision-making process. I believe that such discussions lead to more comprehensive evaluations and appropriately tailored treatments. Other important features of my philosophy of care are my emphasis on prevention, patient education and overall general health.
I believe that my unique perspective on the nonsurgical aspects of patient care adds greatly to my patients' overall experience, irrespective of whether they actually undergo surgery.
My perspective as a non-operative orthopedist adds an important dimension to patients seeking orthopedic care at PAMF.
Ask an Expert
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