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Why Patients Choose Dr. Barnes

Board-certified orthopedic surgery, fellowship-trained sports medicine, joint replacement experience, military surgical leadership, and a patient-centered style focused on clear decisions and honest expectations.

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Portrait of Dr. James Barnes
Dr. Barnes in a Team USA sports medicine setting
Dr. Barnes at midcourt on the Los Angeles Lakers court
Dr. Barnes in United States Air Force uniform

Why Patients Choose Dr. Barnes

Patients often mention the same themes: clear explanations, practical options, surgical skill, kindness, and the feeling that their questions were answered.

Dr. Barnes in scrubs and scrub cap with a red clown nose, showing the lighter side of surgical care

Care That Feels Personal

Orthopedic care should be technically excellent and easy to understand. Dr. Barnes focuses on listening, explaining options clearly, and helping patients return to the activities that matter.

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Elite Sports Medicine Background

Fellowship training at UCLA with experience caring for professional, Division I collegiate, Team USA, high school, and recreational athletes.

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Advanced Joint Replacement

Hip and knee replacement expertise including Mako robotic-assisted technology for patients with arthritis who want to stay active.

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Military Surgical Leadership

Former Air Force Major and Director of Surgical Services at Luke AFB with deployed Orthopedic Surgery experience in Afghanistan.

Elite athletic experience

Trusted by athletes at every level of competition.

Dr. Barnes brings elite sports medicine experience to Lake Havasu City, with a background that includes Team USA, Los Angeles professional basketball, UCLA Division I athletics, and local high school athletes.

✓ Team USA physician experience at international competition
✓ Former team physician for the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Sparks
✓ UCLA fellowship coverage across football, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, golf, tennis, basketball, and track & field
✓ Team physician for Lake Havasu High School athletes

Photos rotate through selected Team USA, Olympic, Paralympic, UCLA, and professional sports medicine experiences.

Explore Sports Medicine
🤖 Advanced Joint Replacement

Robotic hip and knee replacement for active lives.

For patients with advanced hip or knee arthritis, Dr. Barnes offers modern joint replacement techniques, including Mako robotic-assisted surgery, designed to support accuracy, recovery, and long-term function.

✓ Total knee replacement
✓ Total hip replacement
✓ Mako robotic-assisted technology
✓ Individualized surgical and non-surgical treatment plans

From Oklahoma Roots to Lake Havasu Orthopedic Care.

A step-by-step story of education, service, Orthopedic Surgery training, military leadership, sports medicine, and community care.

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Oklahoma RootsRaised on a farm with values of work, service, accountability, and community.
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John Brown UniversityUndergraduate foundation in communication, leadership, and business.
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UAMS College of MedicineMedical school training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
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UMKC Orthopedic Surgery ResidencyComprehensive Orthopedic Surgery residency training in Kansas City.
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Air Force ServiceStationed at Luke Air Force Base and served as a surgical leader and deployed Orthopedic Surgeon.
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UCLA Sports Medicine FellowshipAdvanced sports medicine fellowship training with Division I and professional sports coverage.
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Lake Havasu CityServing Lake Havasu City and Mohave County with patient-centered orthopedic care since 2022.
Service to country

Military experience that still shapes patient care.

As a former United States Air Force Major, Dr. Barnes served at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona and deployed to Afghanistan as an orthopedic surgeon with a forward surgical unit. That experience reinforced the importance of preparation, teamwork, calm decision-making, and taking care of people when it matters most.

✓ Former Director of Surgical Services, 56th Medical Group
✓ Deployed Orthopedic Surgeon with forward surgical experience in Afghanistan
✓ Military surgical leadership background applied to complex orthopedic care
✓ Recognition including Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal

Education, Training, and Professional Affiliations.

A structured view of board certification, fellowship training, medical education, residency, undergraduate education, and professional society involvement.

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery logo

Board Certification

  • Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
  • Reflects rigorous standards in Orthopedic Surgery training, examination, and professionalism.
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Professional Affiliations

  • Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
  • Professional involvement across sports medicine, arthroscopy, military orthopedics, orthopedic leadership, and evidence-informed orthobiologics.
  • Member of the Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation (IOF), supporting education and responsible clinical practice in orthobiologics.
FAAOSAOSSMAANAAOASOMOSIOF
UCLA logo
UCLA Sports Medicine Fellowship.

UCLA Sports Medicine Fellowship

  • Advanced fellowship training in sports medicine.
  • Coverage experience with UCLA Athletics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Sparks.
UMKC School of Medicine logo
UMKC Orthopaedic Surgery residency.

Orthopedic Surgery Residency

  • University of Missouri–Kansas City Orthopedic Surgery residency.
  • President, Housestaff Council.
UAMS College of Medicine seal
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine.

Medical School

  • Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
  • Foundation in patient care, medical science, and clinical judgment.
John Brown University logo
John Brown University undergraduate education.

Undergraduate Foundation

  • John Brown University, magna cum laude.
  • Background in broadcasting and business administration.
Gold Humanism Honor Society logo

Gold Humanism Honor Society

Inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society during residency and served as founding president of the UMKC Orthopedic Surgery Residency Chapter. GHHS recognizes physicians, medical students, and leaders for compassionate, humanistic patient care — a reminder that technical excellence and human connection both matter in medicine.

Founding PresidentUMKC Residency ChapterHumanistic Patient CareCompassion • Trust • Service

Service, Leadership, and Recognition.

A focused view of the leadership roles, military honors, sports medicine service, and recognitions that shape Dr. Barnes’ approach to patient care.

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Team USA / USOPC

  • Volunteer Team Physician experience at the Pan American Games.
  • Paris Paralympic Games sports medicine experience.
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Military Recognition

  • Meritorious Service Medal.
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
  • NATO Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.
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Surgical Leadership

  • 56th MDG Surgical Services Director.
  • Physician Champion for Center for Orthopedic Excellence.
  • Founder/Director of Joint Academy Program.
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Consultant of the Year Award

  • Recognized for clinical service, professionalism, and leadership.
  • Reflects a commitment to high-quality Orthopedic Surgery care.

Patient reviews matter.

Reviews help show the part of orthopedic care that patients remember: being listened to, understanding the plan, and feeling comfortable with the next step.

Read Patient ReviewsHomepage Reviews
★★★★★

“Best orthopedic surgeon in Havasu AZ. Easy to work with and explains options well. Thank you!!”

Barry R. • Tebra patient survey • Jun 2026
★★★★★

“Dr. Barnes came to my rescue. He is kind, funny, knowledgeable, and informative. 10/10 recommended Dr. Barnes!!!”

Regina C. • Tebra patient survey • Jun 2026
★★★★★

“Professional and personal service.”

Raymond A. • Tebra patient survey • Jun 2026

Looking for orthopedic care in Lake Havasu?

Learn about your options and choose a plan that fits your goals, diagnosis, and recovery expectations.

ScheduleCall (928) 538-4325
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