Heath C. Thornton

Heath C. Thornton, MD is an Associate Professor in both the Family and Community Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation departments at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He holds dual board certifications in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. Dr. Thornton completed his MD at Virginia Commonwealth University (2000), Family Medicine residency at Riverside Family Practice (2003), and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (2004).

His research focuses on sports-related medicine, including concussion management, biologic therapies for osteoarthritis, heat illness prevention, and injury prevention strategies for athletes. He is affiliated with multiple Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist locations in Winston-Salem, specializing in sports medicine, primary care, and pediatric sports medicine.

Dr. Thornton is actively involved in clinical care, with particular expertise in managing musculoskeletal conditions such as tendonitis, ligament injuries, and sports-related fractures. Patient reviews highlight his attentive care and thorough explanations.