David Hester, MD

Meet David Hester, MD

Advancing Orthopedic Surgery Through Robotic Precision in Northeast Texas.

Dr. David A. Hester is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has dedicated more than 25 years to restoring the strength and mobility of patients across Northeast Texas. Dr. Hester is a native Texan who provides elite-level surgical care at CHRISTUS Health in Mount Pleasant, where he serves as the Chief of Surgery and Vice Chief of Staff. His practice at CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine bridges the gap between high-tier academic training and the personal, high-volume needs of a community-based medical center, ensuring local residents don't have to travel to major metropolitan hubs for services, including advanced joint reconstruction, total joint replacement (hip, knee, ankle), complex foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine.

Career at a Glance

• 25+ Years of Clinical Expertise: Extensive experience in general orthopedics, total joint arthroplasty, sports medicine, and complex conditions of the foot & ankle.
• Elite Fellowship Training: Specialized sub-certification in Foot and Ankle surgery, addressing the body's most biomechanically complex joints.
• Robotic Surgery Pioneer: Lead practitioner in implementing Mako SmartRobotics for knee and hip replacements in the region.
• Board Certified: Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), maintaining the highest standards of surgical proficiency.

Clinical Role and Leadership

As a clinical leader at CHRISTUS Health, Dr. Hester has been instrumental in modernizing the regional musculoskeletal program by integrating robotic-arm assisted technology to optimize patient outcomes. He provides specialized care for conditions such as:

• Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
• Complex Foot and Ankle Deformities
• ACL and Other Sports Related Injuries
• Achilles Tendon Ruptures
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders
• Acute Fractures and Traumatic Injuries
• Joint Restoration – MACI (trained in cartilage transplantation)

What You Can Expect from Care with Dr. Hester

Dr. Hester’s approach is rooted in a "patient-first" orientation, prioritizing treatments that return individuals to their unique lifestyles, whether that means returning to competitive athletics or enjoying pain-free daily walks. You can expect:

• Clear, Accessible Communication: A focus on explaining complex pathologies in understandable, human terms.
• Technological Precision: The use of 3D modeling to tailor your joint replacement surgery to your specific anatomy.
• Comprehensive Pain Management: Utilizing advanced peripheral nerve blocks to reduce opioid reliance and speed up recovery.
• Local Advocacy: Care from a physician who is deeply invested in the health and independence of the Mount Pleasant community.

Advanced Surgical Innovation / Diagnostic Care

Dr. Hester is at the forefront of orthopedic technology, utilizing the Mako SmartRobotics system at CHRISTUS Health in Mount Pleasant. This advanced tool allows for a personalized pre-surgical plan and provides haptic feedback during surgery to ensure bone preparation and implant placement are accurate within millimeters, significantly reducing soft-tissue damage and improving long-term joint function.

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership

During his training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio—a world-renowned hub for orthopedic innovation—Dr. Hester was immersed in a culture of clinical inquiry and evidence-based medicine. He maintains active memberships in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Texas Orthopaedic Association, staying at the vanguard of evolving surgical techniques and infection reduction protocols.

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity

Dr. Hester is a staunch advocate for preserving the integrity of independent rural healthcare. He has publicly championed the importance of maintaining local hospital infrastructure to ensure that Northeast Texas residents retain access to specialized, life-changing surgical programs without the barriers of urban outmigration. His commitment to the next generation is reflected in his personal involvement in local youth athletics and community sports culture.