Personalized and comprehensive shoulder care

Portland Shoulder Clinic prides itself on delivering exceptional care through strong physician-patient relationships. Dr. Gillis has performed thousands of surgeries with fantastic patient outcomes, from straightforward rotator cuff repairs to complex revision shoulder replacements requiring custom implants. A calculated and meticulous approach to every problem ensures patients receive the care they deserve.

Meet Dr. Gillis

This is Portland’s only shoulder specific orthopedic surgery clinic. We focus on all aspects of shoulder problems from rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, arthritis and fractures.  By dedicating our practice to a single area, we are able to offer hyperspecialized care from advanced surgical procedures to proven conservative management options tailored to your specific lifestyle goals.

Our goal is to restore function through strong physician-patient relationships built on understanding and trust.  Patient education and medical transparency ensure each patient achieves their desired outcome.

Meet YOUR SURGEON

Personalized and specialized shoulder care in the heart of Portland

Dr. Gillis started the Portland Shoulder Clinic to give Portland better access to focused orthopedic care.  After completing a fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity surgery, he worked at a high volume level 1 trauma center for 7 years managing all aspects of shoulder care from simple breaks to complex high energy trauma.  By moving away from a large hospital system to a more personalized setting, patients will have a more accessible way to manage their shoulder problems. 

Education & Training

Bachelor of Science Cellular, Molecular, Developmental Biology
University of Washington, Seattle WA

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona CA

Orthopedic Surgery Residency
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Corvallis OR

Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship
State University New York, Buffalo NY

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgery
American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Subspecialty Certified Hand Surgery
American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Professional Affiliations

Vice President & Active Member
Oregon Association of Orthopedic Surgeons

Active Member
American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics

Selected Awards & Honors

Health Volunteers Overseas Fellowship
Nicaragua

Kaleida Health Fellow Incentive Award

Academic Chief Resident
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center

Hospital/Surgery Center Affiliations

Legacy Emanuel and Legacy Good Samaritan

Providence Portland Medical Center

Portland Orthopedic Surgery Center

Plaza Ambulatory Surgery Center

Providence Hood River

Comprehensive surgical shoulder solutions

Focusing exclusively on shoulder surgery. We treat fractures of the shoulder girdle including clavicle, scapula, glenoid and humerus. Dr. Gillis also has advanced training on all types of arthroscopy including rotator cuff repair, superior capsular reconstruction, SLAP and labral tears and shoulder instability. We also provide state of the art arthroplasty care including custom implants for shoulder replacement with 3D image guidance for complex deformities.

Rotator Cuff Repair & Reconstruction
Total and Reverse Shoulder Joint Replacement
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Sports Injury Management & Instability
Fracture Care & Trauma Recovery

  • "As the patient who underwent shoulder replacement surgery by Dr. Gillis at Summit Orthopedics, I can confidently say that I am beyond satisfied with the care and expertise I received. Dr. Gillis not only demonstrated exceptional surgical skill but he also showed genuine empathy and concern for my well-being throughout the entire process."

    — M. A.

  • "My experience with Dr. Gillis was wonderful. He calmed my worries about my injury. I was so afraid I would need surgery so I went to him for a second opinion. He immediately shared that he had the same injury that I had and he was confident that I could heal and have normal range and abilities with physical therapy. My concerns were listened to and he gave thorough answers. Both times I saw him, I left his office with a smile on my face."

    — S. D.

  • "Dr. Gillis did a phenomenal job repairing my shoulder and I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone with shoulder problems. His professionalism, knowledge, confidence, positive attitude, transparency, and kindness make him stand out as a surgeon. He did a remarkable job fixing my shoulder and I highly recommend this doctor and his friendly, personable staff who, together, made my whole experience as pleasant and effortless as possible."

    — S. H.

  • "I am very pleased with the reverse shoulder surgery that Dr Gillis performed on me. My recovery is faster than I was expecting and I look forward to normal functioning within a few months."

    — A. E.

Better shoulder care is just a phone call away

Patients can schedule new appointments by contacting our office. Patients will be seen as soon as appointments are available. Our exceptional front office staff can help guide patients through the initial aspects of their care. Dr. Gillis will ensure each patient’s care plan is tailored to their personal goals and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • By focusing exclusively on the shoulder, we provide a higher volume of specialized procedures, leading to greater technical precision and staying at the forefront of the latest clinical research and technology.  In turn, patients can expect better outcomes at the Portland Shoulder Clinic.

  • While many insurance plans allow you to self-refer, some require a formal referral from your primary care provider. Our team can help you determine the specific requirements of your plan during the intake process.

  • Please bring any recent imaging (X-rays or MRI) on a CD or via a digital link, a list of current medications, and information regarding previous treatments or surgeries on your shoulder.  This may also include prior surgical reports.

  • Absolutely. Surgery is often the last resort. We offer a range of non-operative treatments, including steroid injections, advanced bracing, and custom-tailored physical therapy protocols.

  • Recovery varies by individual, but most patients use a sling for 4–6 weeks and undergo physical therapy for 3–6 months to regain full strength and range of motion.

  • Most patients return to low-impact activities (like golf or swimming) within 3–4 months. We will create a specific "return-to-play" timeline based on your surgical outcome and goals.

  • Yes. Dr. Gillis is fellowship-trained in complex shoulder reconstruction, including reverse total shoulder replacement for patients with certain types of arthritis or irreparable cuff tears.

  • We utilize both, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your overall health. Many modern shoulder procedures can now be performed safely in an outpatient setting, allowing you to recover in the comfort of your home.

  • If your pain interferes with sleep, prevents you from lifting your arm, or hasn't improved with rest and physical therapy, a specialized evaluation is recommended to rule out structural issues.  It is recommended to have your primary care or initial treating physician initiate a referral to our office to streamline your care.