Meet Dr. Klaassen

Dr. Mark Klaassen was born in Goshen, Indiana, and spent much of his early childhood in Costa Rica and Colombia, where his parents served as missionaries. Growing up in Latin America, he became fluent in Spanish—a skill that continues to enrich his professional and personal life. At age 15, he returned to Indiana and graduated from Elkhart Central High School, where he served as President of the National Honor Society and was honored as Co-Valedictorian of his class.
 

Dr. Klaassen earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science from Goshen College before completing his medical education through the Indiana University School of Medicine, attending both the Notre Dame and Indianapolis campuses. He went on to complete his orthopedic surgery residency at Lutheran Hospital. Dr. Klaassen currently serves as a Professor in the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame and an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
 

In 1987, Dr. Klaassen joined an independent orthopedic group in northern Indiana, where he played a key role in growing its joint reconstruction program over the next 37 years. Passionate about education and innovation, he has lectured extensively on total joint replacement and other orthopedic topics, serving as both a consultant and device developer for leading orthopedic manufacturers. He continues to lecture internationally, with a special focus on Latin America—his second home.
 

Dr. Klaassen’s memoir, Bone Voyage: Following One Surgeon on the Journey of a Lifetime,  shares remarkable patient stories and insights from decades of medical innovation and mentorship. Through his work, Dr. Klaassen exemplifies the profound connection between medicine, purpose, and personal mission.
 

Dr. Klaassen and his wife, Sue, chose to raise their family close to home in Indiana. They are proud parents of two grown sons and grandparents to four grandchildren. Outside of work, he enjoys water sports, biking, skiing, and boating on Lake Michigan.