Robert W. Murphy, M.D., M.P.H.
Adrian S. Graff-Radford, M.D.
Stephen J. O'Connell, M.D.
David A. Friscia, M.D.
Robert C. Sullivan, M.D.
James A. Bell, M.D., Ph.D.
Rufus W. Gore, M.D.
David Tahernia, M.D.
John H. Velyvis, M.D.
Patrick St. Pierre, M.D.
John G. DeSantis, D.O.
Matthew V. Diltz, M.D.


Michael W. Seiberg, D.P.M.  


John F. Feller, M.D.


Deidre Braun, M.S., L.A.c.


Andrew Charles Allen, M.M.Sc., PA-C
Karen V. Cleary, PA-C
David Delgadillo, PA-C
Jeffrey D. Kohfeld, PA-C
Jack Sweeney, PA

John G. DeSantis, D.O. has joined Desert Orthopedic Center as a Joint Replacement Surgeon. Prior to moving to Rancho Mirage, Dr. DeSantis practiced in Michigan for 20 years where he established The Knee and Orthopaedic Center in 1988. Dr. DeSantis became known for his practical, down-to-earth approach with patients who have hip and knee problems.

In a national survey conducted while practicing in Michigan, Dr. DeSantis was recognized for “Outstanding Patient Satisfaction”, achieving the highest-ranking possible by placing in the top 1% for orthopedic surgeons in the nation. He is committed to providing that same level of care to Southern California residents through his affiliation with Desert Orthopedic Center, a practice known to provide the best in total joint care in the Coachella Valley. Dr. DeSantis is pleased to be affiliated with Eisenhower Medical Center, which has been recognized for its Excellence in Total Joint Replacements, rated by Health Grades: Best (#1) in California and in the top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement.

Dr. DeSantis has successfully performed more than 6,000 hip and knee surgeries including athroscopic knee surgery, total hip replacement and resurfacing, total knee and partial knee replacement, revision hip and knee replacement, bilateral knee replacement, and combined hip and knee replacement surgery.

“I love joint replacement surgery because there is nothing as rewarding as having patients express how much better they feel and how much more active they can be after their hip or knee surgery. The typical hip or knee replacement performed by an experienced, skilled surgeon can usually be completed in less than an hour. I feel, and have heard directly from my patients, that there is nothing that is as life changing for a person with a painful, arthritic hip or knee joint than what can be accomplished during this relatively short time in surgery. Whether a patient is in their 40’s or 90’s, it is one of the most dramatic turn-arounds in a patient’s life, that I as a physician, can be a part of.”

Dr. DeSantis feels it is a privilege to be able to care for patients, young and old, whom need help getting back to a more active, less painful lifestyle. “Surgery is not always necessary. Non-operative treatment, such as anti-inflammatory medications and joint injections, can provide relief for many patients with a painful joint. When surgery is needed, the technology available today in treating the painful hip and knee is remarkable. New implant designs and the materials they are made of, which are placed through smaller incisions than ever thought possible, makes joint replacement surgery extremely successful.”

Dr. DeSantis’ personal philosophy is to have a Passion for Excellence in whatever he is doing. This is most notable in his attention to detail in caring for his patients. He is dedicated to providing the best care possible to achieve the best outcomes for joint replacement patients.

Dr. DeSantis and his wife, Deborah, have four young adult children, a daughter and three sons, who have all graduated from college. Dr. DeSantis is an outdoorsman who enjoys running, biking, hiking, golfing, hunting, and most of all, fishing.

Dr. DeSantis graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship and orthopedic residency at Detroit Osteopathic/Bi-County Community Hospital in Michigan. He then completed a one-year Fellowship at the Florida Knee Center in Clearwater, Florida.
Dr. DeSantis is a Diplomat of the National Board of Examiners and serves as an Oral Board Examiner for the AOA Orthopedic Certification Examination. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine.