Dr. James M. Banovetz decided to become a physician in the 4th grade, inspired by his uncle and the book The Making of a Surgeon, by William Nolan. At about the same time, he got his first job, cleaning up building sites for $1.00/hour. He went on to jobs in farming, construction, and retail throughout high school and college. Jim was a percussionist, gymnast, and Eagle Scout in high school, graduating in 1981 as a valedictorian. He was accepted into the Scholars Program in Medicine at Washington University, and graduated with a degree in Mathematics and Spanish Literature in 1984. In college, he did research in neurophysiology and was also a member of the team that purified the protein PDGF, which is now used as a wound healing medication.
Dr. Banovetz opted to transfer to Northwestern University to obtain simultaneous MD and PhD degrees, with a research focus on motor control neurophysiology, graduating in 1990. He then did an orthopaedic residency at the University of Missouri, finishing in 1995, and a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the University of Iowa in 1995-96. He has been practicing in Central Wisconsin ever since. Dr. Banovetz is board certified in both orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. He is an active member of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He is a principal reviewer for the American Journal of Sports Medicine and a member of the Pro Assurance Physician Advisory Board. He has been a team physician for UWSP, SPASH, Pacelli, Amherst, Rosholt, and Iola, also caring for many other local athletes.
Dr. Banovetz is a Sports Medicine Specialist and focuses on the care of injuries in recreational, competitive, and industrial athletes. He does not do spine surgery or joint replacement. Jim married Sheila Lee (Banovetz) MS PT, a physical therapist, in 1986. They have 4 children, MaryBeth (1987), James (1989), John (1991) and Joseph (1993). Jim enjoys fitness and outdoor activities, studying the social sciences, and working with his hands.
