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Dr. Craig Robert Mahoney, MD, FAAOS Orthopaedic Surgeon | Adult Reconstruction Specialist | Healthcare Administrator

Craig R. Mahoney, MD - Photo

Dr. Craig Robert Mahoney, MD, FAAOS Orthopaedic Surgeon | Adult Reconstruction Specialist | Healthcare Administrator

Dr. Craig R. Mahoney is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in adult joint reconstruction of the hip and knee with more than two decades of clinical excellence and a strong record of leadership in orthopaedics and healthcare systems innovation. Since beginning his practice in Des Moines in 2002, Dr. Mahoney has performed over 7,000 joint replacement procedures while filling administrative roles for Iowa Ortho, MercyOne Des Moines, Catholic Health Initiatives, CommonSpirit Health, and Trinity Health.

After completing his fellowship in adult reconstruction at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, Dr. Mahoney has maintained a busy clinical practice while serving as Vice President/Physician Leader of the Orthopaedic Service Line at MercyOne. He also currently holds the role of Director of Perioperative Services at MercyOne and served as Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics there from 2007–2012. In addition, he is a partner at the Iowa Orthopaedic Center, where he has been instrumental in advancing joint replacement care and improving outcomes.

Dr. Mahoney’s leadership extends well beyond the operating room. He has served as President of the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, the Iowa Orthopaedic Society, and the Polk County Medical Society, and has held board positions with each of these organizations. He served on the Board of Directors for the Polk County Medical Society from 2004–2015, the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association from 2010–2022, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Orthopaedic Society since 2015. Additionally, from 2013 to 2023, he contributed to healthcare advancement and philanthropic initiatives as a member of the Board of Directors for the Mercy Health Foundation.

Nationally, he served for six years on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Board of Councilors, where he was also Chairman of the Economic Issues Committee. He has played an influential role in shaping orthopaedic policy and innovation as a member of the Executive Board for the CommonSpirit Health National Orthopedic Spine Service Line and the Trinity Health Orthopaedic Clinical Excellence Council.

He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2014–2024), the Arthritis Foundation of Iowa Tribute to Excellence Award, and Iowa State University’s Professional Progress in Engineering Award.

Dr. Mahoney has authored more than forty peer-reviewed articles, case reports, and book chapters, contributing to key publications such as AAOS Now, The Journal of Arthroplasty, JBJS, and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. His work spans topics including surgical innovation, healthcare economics, and practice management.

Dr. Mahoney’s academic foundation is rooted in excellence. He completed his orthopaedic residency at the Creighton/University of Nebraska Health Foundation, where he received the Excellence in Research Award and won the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Region VII Resident Paper Competition. He also served as a Resident Representative on the New Resident Selection Committee and completed a one-year dedicated orthopaedic research fellowship during his residency.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa, where he held multiple leadership roles, including Treasurer of the Medical Student Council and Graduate and Professional Student Senator. His academic performance earned him several scholarships and an appointment as an Anatomy Teaching Assistant.

Dr. Mahoney earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University, where he excelled both academically and athletically. A four-year football letterman, he was named First Team Academic All-Big Eight in 1989 and 1990, a UPI Honorable Mention All-American in 1990, and received the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award. He was a finalist for the prestigious Campbell Trophy, given annually to the top scholar-athlete football player in America. His scholastic achievements were recognized by his induction into several honor societies, including Tau Beta Pi, Alpha Pi Mu, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma, and Alpha Lambda Delta.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Mahoney remains deeply engaged with his community. He serves as President of the Iowa Chapter of the National Football Foundation, a nonprofit that honors high school scholar-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, and community service. He enjoys cycling, spending time with friends and family, and reading about non-traditional approaches to health and wellness. He is happily married to his wife Michelle, and together they are the proud parents of two sons, John and Matthew.

Dr. Craig Mahoney - Hip and Knee Specialist

About Dr. Mahoney - Video
Education
  • Fellowship
    Hospital for Special Surgery
    New York, New York
    Adult Reconstruction Fellowship
    Graduated - July 31, 2002
  • Residency
    Creighton/University Of Nebraska Health Foundation
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
    Graduated - June 30, 2001
  • Medical Degree
    University Of Iowa College Of Medicine
    Iowa City, Iowa
    Doctor of Medicine
    Graduated - May 12, 1995
  • Undergrad
    Iowa State University
    Ames, Iowa
    Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
    Graduated - May 18, 1991
Certification
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • State of Iowa License to Practice Medicine
  • New York State License to Practice Medicine
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • The Society for Arthritic Joint Surgery
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Non-Medical Work History
  • Industrial Engineer/Computer Draftsman, Milgard Manufacturing
    Tacoma, Washington, 1991, 1992
Medical Work History
  • Physician Leader/Vice President
    TacOrthopaedic Service Line, MercyOne Hospital
    Des Moines, Iowa, 2012 - present
  • Director, Perioperative Services
    MercyOne Hospital
    Des Moines, Iowa, 2024 - Present
  • Partner
    Iowa Orthopaedic Center
    Des Moines, Iowa, 2004 - Present
Honors & Activities

Leadership

  • President, Mid America Orthopaedic Association, 2020-2021
  • Chairman, Economic Issues Committee, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Board of Councilors, 2018 - 2021
  • AAOS Board of Councilors 2015 - 2021
  • President, Iowa Orthopaedic Society, 2018 - 2019
  • President, National Football Foundation - Iowa Chapter, 2017- present
  • Director, AAOS Practice Management Symposium, AAOS Annual Meeting, March 19, 2013
  • Chairman, Department of Orthopaedics, Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa, 2007- 2012
  • Course Director, AAOS Strategic Orthopaedic Alliances - Recent Orthopaedic Experiences, December 4, 2012
  • Director, AAOS Practice Management Symposium, AAOS Annual Meeting, February 7, 2012
  • President, Polk County Medical Society, 2008
  • Co-Director, Mercy Hospital Center for Joint Replacement, Des Moines, Iowa. 2004 - 2013

Boards

  • Board of Councilors, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2015 - 2021
  • Executive Board, Catholic Health Initiatives/Common Spirit Health - National Orthopedic Spine Service Line, 2013 - 2022
  • Board of Directors, Iowa Orthopaedic Society, 2015 - present
  • Board of Directors, Polk County Medical Society, 2004 - 2015
  • Board of Directors, Mercy Health Foundation, 2013 - 2023
  • Board of Directors, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, 2010 - 2022

Professional Associations

  • Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • Mid America Orthopaedic Association
  • Iowa Orthopaedic Society
  • Polk County Medical Society
  • Society for Arthritic Joint Surgery
  • Adjunct Faculty, College of Health Sciences, Des Moines University
Committees
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Medical Liability Committee, 2017 - 2021
  • Chairman, Membership Committee, Iowa Orthopaedic Society, 2008 - 2009
  • Board of Directors Quality Committee, Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa, 2007- 2014
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Board of Councilors: Economic Issues Committee, 2016 - 2021
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Health Care Systems Committee, 2013 - 2017
  • Executive Committee, Iowa Orthopaedic Center, 2009 - 2012
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Practice Management Committee, 2009 - 2013
  • Nominating Committee, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, 2008
  • Pain Committee, Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa, 2004 - 2005
  • Mercy Six Sigma Executive Team, Joint Replacement Turnover Time, 2005 - 2006
  • Audit Committee, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, 2005
  • Exhibits Committee, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, 2004 - 2018
  • University of Iowa Medical Student Council, Treasurer, 1993 - 1994
  • University of Iowa Medical Student Council, Representative, 1991 - 1993
  • University of Iowa Graduate and Professional Student Senator, 1992 - 1993
Awards & Honors
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor, 2014 - 2023
  • Iowa State University Professional Progress in Engineering Award, 2009
  • Arthritis Foundation of Iowa Tribute to Excellence Award, 2008
  • Creighton/University of Nebraska Health Foundation Orthopaedic Residency, Excellence in Research Award, 2001
  • American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, Region VII Winner of Resident Paper Competition, 1999
  • Creighton/University of Nebraska Health Foundation Orthopaedic Research Fellowship, 1996-1997
  • National Football Foundation/College Football Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award and Campbell Trophy Finalist, 1990
Publications

Articles

  • Schlatterer DR, Anderson L, Mahoney C, Ritchie W: Legislative Updates in Tort Reform. AAOS Now. 2021 March: 15(3): 18-19.
  • Schlatterer DR, Mahoney CR: Tort Reform: Where Are We Now? AAOS Now. 2021 February: 15(2): 10.
  • Warth LC, Noiseux NO, Duncan ST, Daines SB, Mahoney CR: How Has COVID-19 Affected Our Orthopedic Implant Industry Partners? Implications for the Surgeon-Industry Relationship in 2020 and Beyond. J Arthroplasty. 2020 Jul;35(7S): S56-S59.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2020.04.063. Epub 2020 Apr 28.
  • Greiner JJ, Callaghan JJ, Bedard NA, Liu SS, Goetz DD, Mahoney CR. Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty at Five to Twelve Years Follow-Up: A Concise Follow-Up of a Previous Report. J Arthroplasty. 2016 Aug;31(8):1773-8. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2016.01.058. Epub 2016 Mar 8.
  • Mahoney CR, Ward K: History Lesson: Tort reform in Iowa. AAOS Now. 2018 December: 12(12): 18.
  • Phipps DA, Ward K, Mahoney CR: Success Story: Managing Bone Health. AAOS Now. 2018 May: 12(5): 1, 21.
  • Mahoney CR, Franceschi A: Total Joint Coding and Documentation in Quality programs. AAOS Now. 2017 July: 11(7)
  • Kapping M, Mahoney CR: Transforming Clinical Practice Initiatives and MIPS. AAOS Now. 2017 July: 11(7)
  • Mahoney CR, Shick SW, Page AE: Understanding APMs and MIPS. AAOS Now. 2016 March: 10(3): 18, 22-23.
  • Mahoney CR, Kim LH, Shah K: Two ways to Achieve Hospital - Physician Alignment. AAOS Now. 2015 September: 9(9): 30, 35.
  • Kumler KW, Mahoney CR, Suk M: Rural Orthopaedics: Not for the Faint of Heart. AAOS Now. 2015 May: 9(5): 25, 27.
  • Heiner AD, Mahoney CR: Fracture of a Biolox Delta ceramic femoral head articulating against a polyethylene liner: A case report. JBJS Case Connector 4: e97, 2014
  • Mahoney CR, Naas PL, Rankin ME: Shared Risk and Orthopaedic Surgeons. AAOS Now. 2014 February: 8(2): 19.
  • Liudahl AA, Liu SS, Goetz DD, Mahoney CR, Callaghan JJ: Metal on metal total hip arthroplasty using modular acetabular shells. J Arthroplasty. 2013 May;28(5):867-71. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2012.10.019. Epub 2013 Mar 13.
  • Garvin KL, Barrera A, Mahoney CR, Hartman CW, Haider H: Total Knee Arthroplasty with a Computer-navigated Saw: A Pilot Study. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2012 September; 470(7).
  • Thompson MA, Mahoney CR: Improving the Primary Care/Specialist Referral Process. AAOS Now. 2012 August: 6(8): 29.
  • Mahoney CR, Ward K: Divisional Mergers. AAOS Now. 2011 April: 5(4): 41, 47.
  • Mahoney CR, Ward K: Keys to successfully selecting, negotiating, and acquiring a PACS. AAOS Now. 2010 March: 4(3):30.
  • Mahoney CR (Contributing author), Hospital Employment of Orthopaedic Surgeons: A Primer for Orthopaedic Surgeons, AAOS, March 2010
  • McDonald J, Mahoney CR: Managing revenues - during a recession and after. AAOS Now. 2009 August: 3(8):30-31.
  • Sedrick JA, Ho J, Stern JA, McDaniel AT, Mahoney CR: Post Total Knee Arthroplasty Politeal Artery Intimal Tear Repaired with Endoluminal Balloon Angioplasty. Am J Orthop. 2009; 38(2): E31-33.
  • Mahoney CR, Hartman CW, Simon PJ, Baxter BT, Neff JR: Vascular management in rotationplasty. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2008 May; 466(5):1210-6.
  • Mahoney CR, Ward K: 4 years, 2 vendors, 1 success story. Implementing PACS at the Iowa Orthopaedic Center. AAOS Now. 2008 January: 2(1):25.
  • Mahoney CR, Ward K: Do you get the picture? Get the most from digital radiographs and PACS. AAOS Now. 2008 January: 2(1):24.
  • Mahoney CR: Reducing OR inefficiencies improves financial results. Process improvement can result in a better bottom line for you and your hospital. AAOS Now. 2007 May: 1(3):31, 41.
  • Mahoney CR, Heidenberger S, Sanchez P, Schaefer SH, Sculco TP, Westrich GH: Ultimate Outcome in Immediate Postoperative Total Hip Replacement instability. Journal of Arthroplasty. 2007 Jan: 22(1):79-82.
  • Su EP, Mahoney CR, Adler RS, Padgett DE, Pellicci PM: Integrity of Repaired Posterior Structures after THA. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2006 Jun; 447:43-47.
  • Mahoney CR, Yun AG, Pellicci PM: Analysis of Cement Mantles in Collared Versus Collarless Femoral Components. The American Journal of Orthopedics. 2006 May, 35 (5) 235-236.
  • Mahoney CR, Glesby MJ, DiCarlo EF, Peterson MGE, Bostrom MP: Total hip arthroplasty in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: Pathologic Findings and Surgical Outcomes. Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica. 2005 Apr; 76(2):198-203.
  • Mahoney CR, Fehringer EV, Kopjar B, Garvin KL: Femoral Revision with Impaction Grafting and a Collarless, Polished, Tapered Stem. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2005 Mar ;(432):181-7.
  • Mahoney CR, Pellicci PM: Complications in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Avoidance and Management of Dislocations. Instructional Course Lectures, 2003;52:247-255.
  • Mahoney CR, Garvin KL: Periprosthetic Acetabular Stress Fracture Causing Pelvic Discontinuity: A Case Report. Orthopedics. 2002 Jan;25(1):83-5.
  • Marsh JL, Mahoney CR, Steinbronn D: External Fixation of Open Humerus Fractures. The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal. 1999; 19:35-42.
  • Alberts LR, Mahoney CR, Neff JR: Comparison of the Nebraska Collar, a New Prototype Cervical Immobilization Collar, With Three Standard Models. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 1998 Aug;12(6):425-30.
  • Kumagai SG, Mahoney CR, Fitzgibbons TC, McMullen ST, Connolly TL, Henkel L: Treatment of Diabetic (Neuropathic) Foot Ulcers with Two-Stage Debridement and Closure. Foot and Ankle International. 1998 Mar;19(3):160-5.

Book Chapters

  • Mahoney CR, Makk SP: Practice Management. In: Flynn JM, ed. OKU 10. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2011, pp. 121-128.
  • Mahoney CR: Service Line Co-management. In: Grogan T, Soyer A, eds. Enhancing Your Practice's Revenue: Pearls and Pitfalls. A Primer for Orthopaedic Surgeons. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2011, pp. 32-35.
  • Mahoney CR, contributor. Hospital Employment of Orthopaedic Surgeons: A Primer for Orthopaedic Surgeons. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 2010.
  • Mahoney CR, contributor. Picture Archiving and Communication Systems: A Primer for Orthopaedic Surgeons. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 2008.
  • Garvin KL and Mahoney CR: Antibiotic-Loaded Implants. In: Callaghan JJ, Rosenberg AG, Rubash HE, eds. The Adult Hip. Philadelphia, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2007, pp. 1295-1303.
  • Mahoney CR and Garvin KL: Patient Selection and Counseling. In: Bellemans J, Ries MD, Victor J, eds. Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Guide to Get Better Performance. Berlin, Springer, 2005, pp. 381-383.
  • Mahoney CR and Buchert PK: Total Hip Replacement. In: Brown DE, ed. Orthopaedic Secrets, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Hanley & Belfus, 2004, pp. 261-263.
  • Mahoney CR: Complications of Total Hip Replacement. In: Brown DE, ed. Orthopaedic Secrets, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Hanley & Belfus, 2004, pp. 263-265.
  • Mahoney CR: Ankle Sprains. In: Brown, D.E., ed. Orthopaedic Secrets, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Hanley & Belfus, 1999, pp. 331-334.
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