Henry DeGroot III, MD

My Inspiration

I played rugby in college, and during one of the games my teammate had a dislocated shoulder. He came off the field in pain with his shoulder shockingly deformed. Fortunately, one of my other teammates was an orthopedic resident, and together he and I relocated the shoulder right there on the field. My teammate felt so good that he went back in the game and continued playing. Seeing this serious injury so effectively treated, and my teammate's function restored, was a revelation to me. I vowed then and there to become an orthopedic surgeon.

What I’m Passionate About

I’m passionate about using surgery to restore function to patients who have had a serious injury. I specialize in orthopedic conditions of the foot and ankle. Seeing a patient come back from their injury, regain their confidence and spirit as well as their function and quality of life is what fulfills me most. Having had multiple peer reviewed publications, I continue my long track record and love of research and teaching as a part of the graduate medical education team at Bayhealth.

Off the Clock

I have been volunteering my time with an orthopedic residency program in Nicaragua for over 20 years. I love sailing and power boating and enjoy the Delaware seashore and the Chesapeake Bay area. I am part of a sailboat racing team in Annapolis where I participate in regattas during warm weather.

My Commitment to You

For me caring for the patient involves not only caring for the patient as a person but also caring about the millions of small details that go into making for a successful outcome. I make sure my post-operative instructions are clear and carefully followed, and that patients have excellent access to follow-up care and do not miss their appointments. I tell every patient I operate on, "It may be your leg — but it's my baby.” I want them to know we both have skin in the game, and we both need to work hard to make sure the outcome is perfect.