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Joseph Burns, MD is the Chief Musculoskeletal Officer at Wellstar,
overseeing orthopedic surgery, pediatric orthopedic surgery, sports
medicine, orthopedic trauma, hand surgery and podiatry. In addition,
he is a practicing, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who
specializes in shoulder surgery and sports medicine. Prior to coming
to Wellstar, Dr Burns was a leader at the prestigious Southern
California Orthopedic Institute in Los Angeles, where he trained over
60 fellows and partnered with UCLA to provide world-class
orthopedic care and research. Currently, he is on faculty with the
Wellstar Kennestone Orthopedic Residency. He has been selected as
a Master Arthroscopic Surgeon and a Top Doc in his region every year
since 2010.
Dr Burns provides comprehensive surgical care, including but not
limited to arthroscopic rotator cuff tendon repair, labral repair,
shoulder replacement,
“reverse” shoulder replacement, shoulder
fracture care.
As a former athlete turned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Burns uses his
skills to help people with injuries or degenerative conditions live a
healthy, active life.
In his practice, Dr. Burns’ professional mission is to provide a
respectful, personalized and expert healthcare experience for each
and every person. That means he works with patients to find the
best treatment options for their orthopedic needs, whether it
requires surgery or not.
Dr. Burns is a dedicated health partner on his patients’ journey to
wellness, from injury to surgery and all the way through recovery.
Through his work, he helps patients regain mobility, overcome pain
and get back to enjoying life.
Specialties
Orthopedic Surgery
Sports Medicine
Education & Training
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery - Sports
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Hospital
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Languages spoken
English
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.7
4.7
Based on 323 patient ratings
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
4.81
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.79
Listened to me carefully
4.73
Shared the right amount of information
4.66
Earned my trust
4.63
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
Everyone was so helpful & understanding
September 13, 2024
5
Very considerate and care about your real this is one of the best doctors that you can ever get to do surgery
September 12, 2024
4
I went to the urgent care and they sent me here to get an MRI but they do not do it at the office so it was not a good use of my time
September 7, 2024
5
Everything was excellent.
September 4, 2024
5
Front desk pleasant and friendly--Joellen in X-ray was extremely professional and explained each procedure and so cheerful-Dr.Burns was gentle and thorough in my exam and explained my options. PA walked me through the Cortizone injection and both medical technicians were efficient with pleasant personality's.
August 30, 2024
5
I have nothing negative to say about my experience. Everyone from the front desk to the doctor was helpful and patient.
August 30, 2024
5
I had an 8:30 appt. I arrived at 8:15 like asked. I did not see the Dr til 9:30. How could you already be running 1 hour behind. If so, no problem, two thoughts: 1. Tell me that and keep me updated. I work too and have time commitments. Instead I just sat there for an hour. 2. Maybe an apology or recognition of being an hour behind would be nice. Not a single word. It's like the doctor felt I was just lucky to be in his presence. If I was an hour late for ANYTHING, I can't imagine not recognizing the difficulty for the patient AND apologize OR give me a reason (example: I had an unexpected emergency patient this am). I would be willing to pay more for certainty of timing.
August 29, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his entire staff were outstanding, I was most pleased with our visit and I look forward to my next visit. This visit is what and how all visits should take place.
August 30, 2024
5
Great people and very professional.
August 27, 2024
4
Dr. Burns and his team were very helpful and attended to my needs/concerns.
August 21, 2024
5
Ive had a few surgeries in my time but never did I have a surgeon and his staff treat their patient with the respect and care that they did! I would recommend Dr burns to everyone who is in need for his orthopedic services. 5 stars!!!
August 15, 2024
3
Appointment was over an hour late causing other appointments to be missed
August 15, 2024
5
The staff and service was amazing!!!
August 2, 2024
5
Dr Burns and the staff are fantastic in every way. Never felt so comfortable and confident in a doctor's office.
August 2, 2024
5
Very pleasant experience. The team was very professional and thorough. Dr. Burns explained my injury and treatment clearly. Very satisfied with my visit.
July 26, 2024
5
This was my first experience with Dr. Burns. He is extremely attentive, professional, and personable. He also knows his stuff, and I feel confident with him in the future. The entire staff in this office was excellent.
July 20, 2024
2
The doctor didn't spend any time with me at all or listen to my questions in any way. Thank you.
July 21, 2024
5
Very efficient staff!
July 18, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his staff truly are well organized and gracious and amazing caregivers. They listen to me, they ask good questions, they answer all of my questions, and they provide the details that I need to make an informed decision about my health care.
July 14, 2024
5
Wellstar does not take my health insurance, which is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze Pathway. Very frustrating, I need shoulder surgery, but I cannot pay out of pocket for it. Therefore, I will have to go somewhere else when I would prefer to be at WellStar.
July 12, 2024
5
Thank you!
June 6, 2024
5
Dr. Burns has taken amazing care of my daughter. He did everything possible to avoid surgery, however in the end it was unavoidable. His care before, during and after surgery was caring with a thorough explanation of every step. Post surgery he explained how it went, answered all my questions and I never felt rushed. I just can't say enough good things about him. His staff is every bit as good including his PA Catherine. Thanks to all of them my daughter is on the road to recovery!
May 31, 2024
5
Thank you, you were very kind.
May 31, 2024
5
Everything went well.
May 31, 2024
5
Excellent experience for first time meeting with Dr Burns and his office staff Trust his diagnosis completely
June 1, 2024
5
The practice is awesome and so is the staff.
May 30, 2024
5
I have been around the USA and the world for medical care, this was the most efficient, clean, and punctual experience I have had
May 25, 2024
5
Dr. Burns is the best.
May 25, 2024
4
The doctor and medical staff are nice however there's a slight confusion where our appointment time change at last minute via text, I called to confirmed and was told that we were informed by phone yesterday which that not correct because I did not receive any call.
May 24, 2024
5
Awesome from receiving desk to doc and staff. Just fabulous!
May 24, 2024
5
Everyone was so helpful & understanding
September 13, 2024
5
Very considerate and care about your real this is one of the best doctors that you can ever get to do surgery
September 12, 2024
5
Everything was excellent.
September 4, 2024
5
Front desk pleasant and friendly--Joellen in X-ray was extremely professional and explained each procedure and so cheerful-Dr.Burns was gentle and thorough in my exam and explained my options. PA walked me through the Cortizone injection and both medical technicians were efficient with pleasant personality's.
August 30, 2024
5
I have nothing negative to say about my experience. Everyone from the front desk to the doctor was helpful and patient.
August 30, 2024
5
I had an 8:30 appt. I arrived at 8:15 like asked. I did not see the Dr til 9:30. How could you already be running 1 hour behind. If so, no problem, two thoughts: 1. Tell me that and keep me updated. I work too and have time commitments. Instead I just sat there for an hour. 2. Maybe an apology or recognition of being an hour behind would be nice. Not a single word. It's like the doctor felt I was just lucky to be in his presence. If I was an hour late for ANYTHING, I can't imagine not recognizing the difficulty for the patient AND apologize OR give me a reason (example: I had an unexpected emergency patient this am). I would be willing to pay more for certainty of timing.
August 29, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his entire staff were outstanding, I was most pleased with our visit and I look forward to my next visit. This visit is what and how all visits should take place.
August 30, 2024
5
Great people and very professional.
August 27, 2024
5
Ive had a few surgeries in my time but never did I have a surgeon and his staff treat their patient with the respect and care that they did! I would recommend Dr burns to everyone who is in need for his orthopedic services. 5 stars!!!
August 15, 2024
5
The staff and service was amazing!!!
August 2, 2024
5
Dr Burns and the staff are fantastic in every way. Never felt so comfortable and confident in a doctor's office.
August 2, 2024
5
Very pleasant experience. The team was very professional and thorough. Dr. Burns explained my injury and treatment clearly. Very satisfied with my visit.
July 26, 2024
5
This was my first experience with Dr. Burns. He is extremely attentive, professional, and personable. He also knows his stuff, and I feel confident with him in the future. The entire staff in this office was excellent.
July 20, 2024
5
Very efficient staff!
July 18, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his staff truly are well organized and gracious and amazing caregivers. They listen to me, they ask good questions, they answer all of my questions, and they provide the details that I need to make an informed decision about my health care.
July 14, 2024
5
Wellstar does not take my health insurance, which is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze Pathway. Very frustrating, I need shoulder surgery, but I cannot pay out of pocket for it. Therefore, I will have to go somewhere else when I would prefer to be at WellStar.
July 12, 2024
5
Thank you!
June 6, 2024
5
Dr. Burns has taken amazing care of my daughter. He did everything possible to avoid surgery, however in the end it was unavoidable. His care before, during and after surgery was caring with a thorough explanation of every step. Post surgery he explained how it went, answered all my questions and I never felt rushed. I just can't say enough good things about him. His staff is every bit as good including his PA Catherine. Thanks to all of them my daughter is on the road to recovery!
May 31, 2024
5
Thank you, you were very kind.
May 31, 2024
5
Everything went well.
May 31, 2024
5
Excellent experience for first time meeting with Dr Burns and his office staff Trust his diagnosis completely
June 1, 2024
5
The practice is awesome and so is the staff.
May 30, 2024
5
I have been around the USA and the world for medical care, this was the most efficient, clean, and punctual experience I have had
May 25, 2024
5
Dr. Burns is the best.
May 25, 2024
5
Awesome from receiving desk to doc and staff. Just fabulous!
May 24, 2024
4
I went to the urgent care and they sent me here to get an MRI but they do not do it at the office so it was not a good use of my time
September 7, 2024
4
Dr. Burns and his team were very helpful and attended to my needs/concerns.
August 21, 2024
4
The doctor and medical staff are nice however there's a slight confusion where our appointment time change at last minute via text, I called to confirmed and was told that we were informed by phone yesterday which that not correct because I did not receive any call.
May 24, 2024
3
Appointment was over an hour late causing other appointments to be missed
August 15, 2024
2
The doctor didn't spend any time with me at all or listen to my questions in any way. Thank you.
July 21, 2024
2
The doctor didn't spend any time with me at all or listen to my questions in any way. Thank you.
July 21, 2024
3
Appointment was over an hour late causing other appointments to be missed
August 15, 2024
4
I went to the urgent care and they sent me here to get an MRI but they do not do it at the office so it was not a good use of my time
September 7, 2024
4
Dr. Burns and his team were very helpful and attended to my needs/concerns.
August 21, 2024
4
The doctor and medical staff are nice however there's a slight confusion where our appointment time change at last minute via text, I called to confirmed and was told that we were informed by phone yesterday which that not correct because I did not receive any call.
May 24, 2024
5
Everyone was so helpful & understanding
September 13, 2024
5
Very considerate and care about your real this is one of the best doctors that you can ever get to do surgery
September 12, 2024
5
Everything was excellent.
September 4, 2024
5
Front desk pleasant and friendly--Joellen in X-ray was extremely professional and explained each procedure and so cheerful-Dr.Burns was gentle and thorough in my exam and explained my options. PA walked me through the Cortizone injection and both medical technicians were efficient with pleasant personality's.
August 30, 2024
5
I have nothing negative to say about my experience. Everyone from the front desk to the doctor was helpful and patient.
August 30, 2024
5
I had an 8:30 appt. I arrived at 8:15 like asked. I did not see the Dr til 9:30. How could you already be running 1 hour behind. If so, no problem, two thoughts: 1. Tell me that and keep me updated. I work too and have time commitments. Instead I just sat there for an hour. 2. Maybe an apology or recognition of being an hour behind would be nice. Not a single word. It's like the doctor felt I was just lucky to be in his presence. If I was an hour late for ANYTHING, I can't imagine not recognizing the difficulty for the patient AND apologize OR give me a reason (example: I had an unexpected emergency patient this am). I would be willing to pay more for certainty of timing.
August 29, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his entire staff were outstanding, I was most pleased with our visit and I look forward to my next visit. This visit is what and how all visits should take place.
August 30, 2024
5
Great people and very professional.
August 27, 2024
5
Ive had a few surgeries in my time but never did I have a surgeon and his staff treat their patient with the respect and care that they did! I would recommend Dr burns to everyone who is in need for his orthopedic services. 5 stars!!!
August 15, 2024
5
The staff and service was amazing!!!
August 2, 2024
5
Dr Burns and the staff are fantastic in every way. Never felt so comfortable and confident in a doctor's office.
August 2, 2024
5
Very pleasant experience. The team was very professional and thorough. Dr. Burns explained my injury and treatment clearly. Very satisfied with my visit.
July 26, 2024
5
This was my first experience with Dr. Burns. He is extremely attentive, professional, and personable. He also knows his stuff, and I feel confident with him in the future. The entire staff in this office was excellent.
July 20, 2024
5
Very efficient staff!
July 18, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his staff truly are well organized and gracious and amazing caregivers. They listen to me, they ask good questions, they answer all of my questions, and they provide the details that I need to make an informed decision about my health care.
July 14, 2024
5
Wellstar does not take my health insurance, which is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze Pathway. Very frustrating, I need shoulder surgery, but I cannot pay out of pocket for it. Therefore, I will have to go somewhere else when I would prefer to be at WellStar.
July 12, 2024
5
Thank you!
June 6, 2024
5
Dr. Burns has taken amazing care of my daughter. He did everything possible to avoid surgery, however in the end it was unavoidable. His care before, during and after surgery was caring with a thorough explanation of every step. Post surgery he explained how it went, answered all my questions and I never felt rushed. I just can't say enough good things about him. His staff is every bit as good including his PA Catherine. Thanks to all of them my daughter is on the road to recovery!
May 31, 2024
5
Thank you, you were very kind.
May 31, 2024
5
Everything went well.
May 31, 2024
5
Excellent experience for first time meeting with Dr Burns and his office staff Trust his diagnosis completely
June 1, 2024
5
The practice is awesome and so is the staff.
May 30, 2024
5
I have been around the USA and the world for medical care, this was the most efficient, clean, and punctual experience I have had
May 25, 2024
5
Dr. Burns is the best.
May 25, 2024
5
Awesome from receiving desk to doc and staff. Just fabulous!
May 24, 2024
5
Everyone was so helpful & understanding
September 13, 2024
5
Very considerate and care about your real this is one of the best doctors that you can ever get to do surgery
September 12, 2024
4
I went to the urgent care and they sent me here to get an MRI but they do not do it at the office so it was not a good use of my time
September 7, 2024
5
Everything was excellent.
September 4, 2024
5
Front desk pleasant and friendly--Joellen in X-ray was extremely professional and explained each procedure and so cheerful-Dr.Burns was gentle and thorough in my exam and explained my options. PA walked me through the Cortizone injection and both medical technicians were efficient with pleasant personality's.
August 30, 2024
5
I have nothing negative to say about my experience. Everyone from the front desk to the doctor was helpful and patient.
August 30, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his entire staff were outstanding, I was most pleased with our visit and I look forward to my next visit. This visit is what and how all visits should take place.
August 30, 2024
5
I had an 8:30 appt. I arrived at 8:15 like asked. I did not see the Dr til 9:30. How could you already be running 1 hour behind. If so, no problem, two thoughts: 1. Tell me that and keep me updated. I work too and have time commitments. Instead I just sat there for an hour. 2. Maybe an apology or recognition of being an hour behind would be nice. Not a single word. It's like the doctor felt I was just lucky to be in his presence. If I was an hour late for ANYTHING, I can't imagine not recognizing the difficulty for the patient AND apologize OR give me a reason (example: I had an unexpected emergency patient this am). I would be willing to pay more for certainty of timing.
August 29, 2024
5
Great people and very professional.
August 27, 2024
4
Dr. Burns and his team were very helpful and attended to my needs/concerns.
August 21, 2024
5
Ive had a few surgeries in my time but never did I have a surgeon and his staff treat their patient with the respect and care that they did! I would recommend Dr burns to everyone who is in need for his orthopedic services. 5 stars!!!
August 15, 2024
3
Appointment was over an hour late causing other appointments to be missed
August 15, 2024
5
Dr Burns and the staff are fantastic in every way. Never felt so comfortable and confident in a doctor's office.
August 2, 2024
5
The staff and service was amazing!!!
August 2, 2024
5
Very pleasant experience. The team was very professional and thorough. Dr. Burns explained my injury and treatment clearly. Very satisfied with my visit.
July 26, 2024
2
The doctor didn't spend any time with me at all or listen to my questions in any way. Thank you.
July 21, 2024
5
This was my first experience with Dr. Burns. He is extremely attentive, professional, and personable. He also knows his stuff, and I feel confident with him in the future. The entire staff in this office was excellent.
July 20, 2024
5
Very efficient staff!
July 18, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his staff truly are well organized and gracious and amazing caregivers. They listen to me, they ask good questions, they answer all of my questions, and they provide the details that I need to make an informed decision about my health care.
July 14, 2024
5
Wellstar does not take my health insurance, which is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze Pathway. Very frustrating, I need shoulder surgery, but I cannot pay out of pocket for it. Therefore, I will have to go somewhere else when I would prefer to be at WellStar.
July 12, 2024
5
Thank you!
June 6, 2024
5
Excellent experience for first time meeting with Dr Burns and his office staff Trust his diagnosis completely
June 1, 2024
5
Dr. Burns has taken amazing care of my daughter. He did everything possible to avoid surgery, however in the end it was unavoidable. His care before, during and after surgery was caring with a thorough explanation of every step. Post surgery he explained how it went, answered all my questions and I never felt rushed. I just can't say enough good things about him. His staff is every bit as good including his PA Catherine. Thanks to all of them my daughter is on the road to recovery!
May 31, 2024
5
Thank you, you were very kind.
May 31, 2024
5
Everything went well.
May 31, 2024
5
The practice is awesome and so is the staff.
May 30, 2024
5
I have been around the USA and the world for medical care, this was the most efficient, clean, and punctual experience I have had
May 25, 2024
5
Dr. Burns is the best.
May 25, 2024
4
The doctor and medical staff are nice however there's a slight confusion where our appointment time change at last minute via text, I called to confirmed and was told that we were informed by phone yesterday which that not correct because I did not receive any call.
May 24, 2024
5
Awesome from receiving desk to doc and staff. Just fabulous!
May 24, 2024
5
Awesome from receiving desk to doc and staff. Just fabulous!
May 24, 2024
4
The doctor and medical staff are nice however there's a slight confusion where our appointment time change at last minute via text, I called to confirmed and was told that we were informed by phone yesterday which that not correct because I did not receive any call.
May 24, 2024
5
Dr. Burns is the best.
May 25, 2024
5
I have been around the USA and the world for medical care, this was the most efficient, clean, and punctual experience I have had
May 25, 2024
5
The practice is awesome and so is the staff.
May 30, 2024
5
Everything went well.
May 31, 2024
5
Thank you, you were very kind.
May 31, 2024
5
Dr. Burns has taken amazing care of my daughter. He did everything possible to avoid surgery, however in the end it was unavoidable. His care before, during and after surgery was caring with a thorough explanation of every step. Post surgery he explained how it went, answered all my questions and I never felt rushed. I just can't say enough good things about him. His staff is every bit as good including his PA Catherine. Thanks to all of them my daughter is on the road to recovery!
May 31, 2024
5
Excellent experience for first time meeting with Dr Burns and his office staff Trust his diagnosis completely
June 1, 2024
5
Thank you!
June 6, 2024
5
Wellstar does not take my health insurance, which is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze Pathway. Very frustrating, I need shoulder surgery, but I cannot pay out of pocket for it. Therefore, I will have to go somewhere else when I would prefer to be at WellStar.
July 12, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his staff truly are well organized and gracious and amazing caregivers. They listen to me, they ask good questions, they answer all of my questions, and they provide the details that I need to make an informed decision about my health care.
July 14, 2024
5
Very efficient staff!
July 18, 2024
5
This was my first experience with Dr. Burns. He is extremely attentive, professional, and personable. He also knows his stuff, and I feel confident with him in the future. The entire staff in this office was excellent.
July 20, 2024
2
The doctor didn't spend any time with me at all or listen to my questions in any way. Thank you.
July 21, 2024
5
Very pleasant experience. The team was very professional and thorough. Dr. Burns explained my injury and treatment clearly. Very satisfied with my visit.
July 26, 2024
5
The staff and service was amazing!!!
August 2, 2024
5
Dr Burns and the staff are fantastic in every way. Never felt so comfortable and confident in a doctor's office.
August 2, 2024
3
Appointment was over an hour late causing other appointments to be missed
August 15, 2024
5
Ive had a few surgeries in my time but never did I have a surgeon and his staff treat their patient with the respect and care that they did! I would recommend Dr burns to everyone who is in need for his orthopedic services. 5 stars!!!
August 15, 2024
4
Dr. Burns and his team were very helpful and attended to my needs/concerns.
August 21, 2024
5
Great people and very professional.
August 27, 2024
5
I had an 8:30 appt. I arrived at 8:15 like asked. I did not see the Dr til 9:30. How could you already be running 1 hour behind. If so, no problem, two thoughts: 1. Tell me that and keep me updated. I work too and have time commitments. Instead I just sat there for an hour. 2. Maybe an apology or recognition of being an hour behind would be nice. Not a single word. It's like the doctor felt I was just lucky to be in his presence. If I was an hour late for ANYTHING, I can't imagine not recognizing the difficulty for the patient AND apologize OR give me a reason (example: I had an unexpected emergency patient this am). I would be willing to pay more for certainty of timing.
August 29, 2024
5
Dr. Burns and his entire staff were outstanding, I was most pleased with our visit and I look forward to my next visit. This visit is what and how all visits should take place.
August 30, 2024
5
Front desk pleasant and friendly--Joellen in X-ray was extremely professional and explained each procedure and so cheerful-Dr.Burns was gentle and thorough in my exam and explained my options. PA walked me through the Cortizone injection and both medical technicians were efficient with pleasant personality's.
August 30, 2024
5
I have nothing negative to say about my experience. Everyone from the front desk to the doctor was helpful and patient.
August 30, 2024
5
Everything was excellent.
September 4, 2024
4
I went to the urgent care and they sent me here to get an MRI but they do not do it at the office so it was not a good use of my time
September 7, 2024
5
Very considerate and care about your real this is one of the best doctors that you can ever get to do surgery