James Bresch, MD is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in Sports Medicine, specializing in arthroscopic surgery, shoulder and knee care. He also performs total knee replacements, and unicompartmental knee replacements.
Dr. Bresch completed his medical degree at Loyola University in Chicago and then fulfilled his internship and residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. Following residency, Dr. Bresch completed additional training with a Sports Medicine fellowship at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedics in Inglewood, CA.
Dr. Bresch has worked with many professional and collegiate sports teams in his 25 plus years of experience and continues to fill the role of Division Director of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery at Lutheran General Hospital. Additionally, he is a current member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
An inventor at heart, Dr. Bresch has worked with many partners in developing advancements in orthopedic devices and surgical systems, including holding a patent for a surgical needle redesign that won him the US Army’s Invention Award.
When not seeing patients, Dr. Bresch enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He has participated in triathlons, marathons, and duathlons, and is an avid woodworker and beekeeper.
Affiliations and Associations
Professional Team Coverage as Fellow:
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Rams
Anaheim Angels
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
College Team Coverage:
Loyola Marymount University – All teams
USC Football Program
Teams covered as a resident:
Chicago Cubs
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bears
Consultant: New York City Rockettes Chicago performances
1999 – 2008
Red Wings hockey organization – current
Education
Fellowship
Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Inglewood, California
Sports Medicine Fellowship
Residency
Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center – NMH
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Internship
Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center – NMH
Department of General Surgery
Medical School
Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Research and Publications
Bresch, J.R., S.H. Park, C.L. Shields: “The Effects Of Laser Energy on the Shoulder Ligament.” Fifth World Biomaterials Congress (A).
Pinzur, S.M., Litooy, F., Daniels, J., Arney, C., Bresch, J.R.: “Multi-Disciplinary Pre-Operative Assessment and Late Function in Dysvascular Amputees,” Archives of Surgery (A).
Schweitzer, E.J., Hauer, J.M., Swan, K.G., Bresch, J.R.: “Use of the Heimlich Valve in a Compact Autotransfusion Device,” Journal of Trauma, 1987 May; 27(5): 537-42.
Schweitzer, E.J., Bresch, J.R.: “ Suture Needle Holder,” United States Patent, Patent Number: 4,580,567, April 8, 1986.
Lillimoe, K.D., Harmon, J.W., Johnson, M.N., Bresch, J.R.: “Indomethacin Protects Against Acid-Induced Esophagitis in Rabbits,” Gastroenterology, 82:1118, 1982.
Awards
Phi Sigma, Biology Honor Society Marquette University Chapter, 1985
Invention Award Department of United States Army, United States Patent No. 4,580,567 1986
Best Video Presentation – AAOS annual meeting, 1996. “Posterior Rotatory Elbow Instability”
Appointments
Associate Clinical Instructor – University of Chicago Department of Orthopaedics – 2010 – present
Division Director of Sports Medicine within the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital – April 2011 – present.
Illinois Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery Center – Co-founder/Board member Chairman – 2006 – present
Global Med Choices – Chief Medical Officer and Founding Board Member – 2010 – present
Knee Advisory Board; Smith & Nephew – 2009 – present
Clinical Instructor – University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics – 1999 – Present
Clinical Instructor – Northwestern University Medical School Department Of Orthopaedics – 1995 – 1999
Good Shepherd Hospital – Surgery Steering 2001-2003, Surgery Case Review, Risk Management 1997-2001
Lutheran General Hospital – IPA Board, February 2002 to April 2004
Golf Surgical Center – Chairman Executive Committee, January 2004 – 2008
Management Committee, January 2001 – December 2003