Heather Anne Melton, MD

Specializing in Orthopedic Surgery

Born and raised in California, Dr. Heather Melton is a second generation orthopedic surgeon who provides specialized care in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, total joint arthroplasty, trauma, pediatric orthopedic care, and non-operative back and neck pain. After completing her residency and fellowship, she started her practice with her father Dr. Eugene Gulish as only the second father/daughter practice in the U.S. She is the team physician of numerous middle and high schools in Henry, Carroll, Benton, Stewart and Weakly Counties in West Tennessee and Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. Dr. Melton was the Tennessee Sports Medicine Person of the Year in 2011. She joined Baptist Medical Group in 2023.

Meet The Doctor

What can a patient expect when they have you as a doctor?

A patient can expect compassionate care from both me and my physician assistant, along with the knowledge and confidence that they are receiving the best care possible.

What is the most important factor in a doctor patient relationship and why?

Trust that goes both ways. A patient must trust that the provider has their best interest at heart and the ability to care for them in the most competent manner. A physician must also trust that the patient will be compliant with the care plan.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy when you're not working?

I enjoy time on the lake and wakeboarding. Traveling is one of my passions as well. My family raises beef cattle and my children, Alexa, Ryan and Serena, have participated in 4-H over the years.

What about your line of work do you find the most rewarding and why?

I enjoy returning my patients to function, improving their quality of life and returning them to their favorite sport. I love the challenge of orthopaedics, and I love the evolving technologies and the improvements we are always seeing in caring for our patients.

Education

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in biology; University of California-Davis; 1992

Medical School

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; 1997

Internship

University of Connecticut; 1998

Residency

University of Connecticut; 2002

Fellowship

Foot and Ankle Surgery; University of Connecticut; 2003

Awards, Certifications & Memberships

Board Certifications

Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Professional Organizations

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
Arthroscopy Association of North America

Patient Resources