
Dawn Mitzner Laporte, MD
Orthopedic SurgeryHand and Wrist Orthopedic Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
FemaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Dawn Mitzner Laporte
Professional Titles
- Thomas M. Brushart, M.D. Professor in Hand Surgery
- Vice Chairman, Education
- Residency Program Director, Orthopaedic Surgery
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Dr. Dawn LaPorte is a professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her areas of clinical expertise are hand and wrist injuries, including ligament injuries, avascular necrosis, arthritis, nerve compression syndromes and Dupuytren’s contracture. Dr. LaPorte serves as the residency program director for the Orthopaedic Surgery Training Program.
Dr. LaPorte received her undergraduate degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She completed her orthopaedic surgery training at Johns Hopkins and performed her hand and upper extremity surgery fellowship training at the Curtis National Hand Center.
Her research interests include wrist pain, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears and resident education.
Dr. LaPorte is a Member-at-Large of the American Society of Surgery for the Hand (ASSH) and serves on multiple ASSH committees, including the Diversity Committee and the Resident Education Committee. She is also an ASSH 2020 Annual Meeting Program Chair. She serves on the Governing Council of the national Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors.
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
Women in Orthopaedics, Leading by Example | Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic Surgery (Summer 2016)
Q&A with Dawn LaPorte, Orthopaedic Residency Program Director | Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic Surgery (Winter 2014)
Research Interests
Peripheral nerve, Resident education, Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears, Wrist innervation, Wrist pain
Research Summary
Dr. Laporte's research focuses on improving musculoskeletal education for orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic resident training. The ultimate goal of her research is to improve patient care.
PubMed - Publications
Research Gate - Research Profile
Selected Publications
Ahlawat S, Corl FM, LaPorte DM, Fishman EK, Fayad LM. MDCT of hand and wrist infections: emphasis on compartmental anatomy. Clin Radiol. 2017 Apr;72(4):338.e1-338.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.11.020. Epub 2017 Jan 6. Review.
Bernard JA, Dattilo JR, Srikumaran U, Zikria BA, Jain A, LaPorte DM. Reliability and Validity of 3 Methods of Assessing Orthopedic Resident Skill in Shoulder Surgery. J Surg Educ. 2016 Nov - Dec;73(6):1020-1025. doi: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2016.04.023. Epub 2016 Jun 3.
Brooks JT, Reidler JS, Jain A, LaPorte DM, Sterling RS. Post-Interview Communication During Application to Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016 Oct 5;98(19):e84. Review.
Devulapalli C, Han KD, Bello RJ, LaPorte DM, Hepper CT, Katz RD. Inadvertent Intra-Arterial Drug Injections in the Upper Extremity: Systematic Review. J Hand Surg Am. 2015 Nov;40(11):2262-2268.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.08.002. Epub 2015 Sep 26. Review.
Grasu BL, LaPorte DM. Hand Problems Related to Chemotherapeutic Agents. J Hand Surg Am. 2015 Dec;40(12):2473-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.10.001. Review.
Graduate Program Affiliations
Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery
Memberships
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand
- American Orthopaedic Association
Professional Activities
- American Orthopaedic Association, Governing Council of the Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Diversity Committee
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Chair, Resident Education Committee
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2100, Lutherville, MD 21093
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 443-769-1281
- Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Suite 5009, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 410-614-1451
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Hand Surgery, 2001
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2000
- Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, 1995
Board Certifications
- Surgery of the Hand: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2004
- Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2003
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
167 ratings, 59 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Excellent, caring, knowledgeable,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr Laporte was wonderful. The only criticism is the long wait to schedule an appointment. Nevertheless, she is worth the wait.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Dr LaPorte is wonderfully kind, caring and always professional; powerfully recommend
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Very knowledgeable, answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Dr. LaPorte is a first-rate physician who is caring and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Dawn LaPorte is an excellent Doctor. She is very caring and knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr LaPorte was professional and answered all my questions.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
That was my first time meeting and seeing this provider. She was very pleasant and attentive to my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
This was my first visit with DAWN LAPORTE and she instantly made me feel comfortable and well cared for. She explained what I was experiencing so clearly I could go home and explain it again to my husband with no problem. I would recommend her to anyone who needed to see a hand surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Wonderful kind thoughtful very thorough very knowledgeable The very best!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Listens well to my concerns. Pleasant
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Dr. Laporte has excellent, compassionate bedside manner. She listened intently, probed for pertinent information and discussed treatment options with me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr. Laporte always spends enough time with me. I do not feel rushed & she takes very good care of my needs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr LaPorte is an excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
The provider was extremely helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
/Dr Laporte is without a doubt the best ever extremely caring knowledgeable and explains everything so you understand. Hopkins is extremely fortunate to have skilled Dr like her
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
I love Dr. LaPorte. She is kind, understanding and explains things well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr LaPorte, professional, respectful, knowledgeable, and caring, she is very genuine
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Excellent, caring physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
I have been very pleased with Dr. LaPorte.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
She was very personable. Interested in my health beyond the reason for the visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Very talented and processional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Have been followed by this provider over the years always professional , addresses my complaints and acts to solve problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Excellent listener; clearly hears patient's concern and addresses it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
I need surgery, what I expected. Dr. Laporte was very kind, answered all my questions and concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Both a doctor in training & Dr. Laporte were thorough, totally competent & very nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2025
Dr. Laporte is very experienced and knew right away how to treat me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Dr. Laporte is wonderful. Well-informed, personable and direct.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2025
She is very caring.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Friendly, knowledgeable, and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Dr LaPorte is one of the best specialists I have seen over the years.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
Great visit. Spent plenty of time with me and answered all questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Very pleasant, professional, thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/5/2025
All was good.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2025
Appointment was for 8 am, but I wasn't called until 8:30am.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Dr. Laporte is an excellent surgeon and a kind caring person, I would highly recommend her!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Very comfortable & happy with Dr. Laporte being my orthopedic doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2025
Dr. Laporte was direct, sensitive, inquiring and provided my injections quickly. She is an excellent doctor!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2025
Excellent: listens and acts
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
The doctor listened and answered my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Dr. LaPorte and the intern (very lovely but cannot remember her name) were stellar!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
She is one of the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Outstanding. Very knowledgeable very kind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Dr LaPorte is always so nice and easy to talk to. I had a MRI on mt left hand which took a year for that appointment and that was my reason to follow up with Dr LaPorte
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/11/2025
Very prod
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
I like to observe her when she listens to your words describing symptoms and pain, these are moments in which she totally changes expression. She is deeply focused on your body part she's examining, all the rest doesn't exist.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Dr LaPorte was very kind and made me feel comfortable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
Dr. La Porte is excellent, competent, and caring, and fixed a painful problem in my hand that will improve my quality of life..
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2025
Dr. LaPorte performed hand surgery on my right hand and the prognosis is excellent. She is phenomenal and I would highly recommend her to everyone!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2025
Couldn't ask for a better provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Thorough exam, good follow up assessment of surgical results. Discussed plan of care and expectations of recovery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
It is immediately obvious that Dr. LaPorte excels in her depth of knowledge and surgical skill. On top of that she is a warm and caring listener, which sets her above the average.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
My provider went over everything about my recovery from hand surgery and even checked both hands for further problems with carpal tunnel. Had X-ray of finger and discussed what actions to take
- 2 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2025
I love working with this surgeon but I don't want physical therapy. I was there to discuss surgery only. I've been in pain and hurting majority of my life and physical therapy no longer works for my body.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2025
Dr LaPorte is exceptional . She is very carrying. A truly great person.