Kathy McGurk, MD

Dr. Kathy McGurk is an orthopedic surgeon with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Orthopaedics.

She specializes in treating hand and upper extremity conditions, including:

• Fracture management
• Arthritis
• Nerve compression syndromes (carpal and cubital tunnel)
• Tendon and nerve injuries and repairs
• Upper extremity tendinopathies

Dr. McGurk earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina and a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at Wake Forest University.

Dr. McGurk prides herself on a patient-centric approach to medicine. She believes in imparting her knowledge of hand and upper extremity conditions in a way that patients can truly understand. Her goal is for every patient to leave her office with a new understanding of their condition and feel empowered to decide on their treatment options. While she loves to operate, Dr. McGurk firmly believes that not all hand surgery requires surgery. She values the importance of explaining different treatment options and empowering patients to make decisions that are right for them.

Orthopedic surgery, especially hand surgery, is like solving a puzzle for Dr. McGurk. She finds great joy in using her knowledge to diagnose, execute surgical plans and watch her patients' symptoms improve. She loves using her hands to change someone’s life for the better.

Working for a nonprofit health care system like Roper St. Francis allows Dr. McGurk to care for patients without worrying about their financial status. She values being part of an integrated care network where specialty providers can refer to her and trust her to take good care of their patients. She also appreciates the ability to rely on other specialists for care outside her expertise.

Dr. McGurk has always had a passion for science. Her interest in medicine started early, especially after her first human biology course in sixth grade. This passion grew through her education and led her to pursue orthopedic surgery. She loves combining her interest in science and anatomy with the ability to connect with people and use her skills to change their lives.

In her free time, Dr. McGurk enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, such as road biking, backpacking and long-distance running. She also enjoys relaxing at local breweries with friends. Recently, Dr. McGurk and her husband welcomed their first child and look forward to this new adventure.