Jonathon Backus, MD
Jonathon Backus, MD is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon specializing in conditions of the foot and ankle. His practice is based at The Steadman Clinic, with locations in both Frisco and Vail, Colorado. An alumni of the esteemed Steadman Clinic Foot and Ankle Fellowship Program, under the mentorship Dr. Thomas Clanton (now retired), Dr. Backus brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to complement the skills of Dr. C. Thomas Haytmanek in the realm of foot and ankle surgery.
Dr. Backus Biography
Dr. Backus graduated from Duke University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Washington University in St. Louis. After completing the Foot and Ankle Fellowship Program in Vail in 2015-2016, he spent some time in private practice in the Denver area. Dr. Backus then returned to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis where he spent over four years as an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and led groundbreaking research within the field of foot and ankle orthopedics. His involvement in his specialty extends further, as he also serves on the board of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, further cementing his dedication to advancing the field.
His return to The Steadman Clinic marked a significant professional and personal milestone and he was excited for the opportunity to move his young family back to Colorado. “The Steadman Clinic is one of those places that I never wanted to leave,” said Dr. Backus as he reflected on his one-year fellowship in Vail. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to return to this prestigious practice and join Dr. Tommy Haytmanek in the foot and ankle practice and follow the path of our mentor Dr. Clanton.”
Dr. Backus and Dr. Haytmanek’s connection dates back to their earlier years, with Dr. Backus as a medical student at Duke and Dr. Haytmanek in his residency. Dr. Backus holds the firm belief that it is the extraordinary level of patient care that distinguishes The Steadman Clinic and Sports Foot and Ankle as leaders in their field. “Essentially, it is the concierge care of orthopaedics and they make the patient experience a truly amazing one,” said Dr. Backus. “The Steadman Clinic goes the extra mile and it really sets them apart from other institutions. To be part of this team and elevate the level of care for our patients is a real honor.”
Hailing from a small farming town in southern Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, Dr. Backus attended the University of Illinois, where he graduated with distinction, earning a Bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology. He also spent a semester abroad studying biology at Kings College in London. Following graduation, he was awarded a Cancer Research Training Award Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Throughout his medical school years at Duke, he solidified his passion for orthopedics, dedicating a year to researching post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
In his free time, Dr. Backus enjoys taking advantage of the beautiful Colorado outdoors by skiing, mountain biking, road cycling, and hiking.