Sam Cheesman, M.D.

Specializing in Hand, Wrist, and Elbow

About Dr. Sam Cheesman

Dr. Cheesman is a Board-Certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced subspecialty training in hand and upper extremity surgery. He provides comprehensive care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and elbow, with expertise spanning microvascular surgery, trauma reconstruction, and minimally invasive procedures.

Trained in the full spectrum of upper extremity care, Dr. Cheesman treats everything from acute injuries and fractures to chronic degenerative conditions and nerve compression syndromes, including carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome. His microsurgical training enables him to perform delicate procedures such as tendon repairs, nerve reconstructions, and revascularization—particularly critical in trauma and complex reconstructive cases.

Dr. Cheesman is committed to delivering patient-centered, high-quality care, combining surgical precision with thoughtful, individualized treatment planning. Whether the goal is restoring hand function after injury, reducing pain from arthritis, or helping a patient return to work or sport, he takes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients, therapists, and referring providers to optimize outcomes.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and the latest surgical techniques, Dr. Cheesman brings compassionate expertise to every case—providing specialized orthopedic care that supports both function and quality of life.

Dr. Cheesman is currently accepting new patients and welcomes them to ROC.
Read more about Dr. Cheesman's past experience and expertise

Dr. Cheesman is a Board-Certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in hand surgery. He brings a skill set to ROC including comprehensive care of the hand, wrist, and elbow. In addition to his subspecialty training in hand surgery, Dr. Cheesman has experience in orthopedic surgery, including treatment of fractures and soft tissue injuries of the lower extremity. 

Dr. Cheesman received his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed residency training in orthopedic surgery at Oregon Health and Science University. He then completed hand surgery training at the University of New Mexico. During his medical school training, Dr. Cheesman earned a Master of Business Administration from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business with the aim of improving operational efficiencies to maximize value for patients. Dr. Cheesman is a candidate member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.  Dr. Cheesman is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to his patients. He works closely with every patient to develop a customized treatment plan to meet their needs and goals. 

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PATIENT EDUCATION VIDEOS

Get to Know Dr. Cheesman

Dr. Cheesman's FAQ

Education

Graduate Degree

MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business

 

Medical Degree

Indiana University School of Medicine

South Bend, Indiana

Training

Hand surgery training at the University of New Mexico

Locations

Pinned Map Oregon City Oregon
Pinned Map Tualatin Oregon

What Patients Say

Patrick H.

Dr. Cheesman is an amazing surgeon! I had a distal radius fracture with a dislocation. He quickly diagnosed my injury and immediately set me up for surgery. It was a 6hr operation and within 6 weeks I was able ot make a fist and move my fingers with no pain. I am so pleased with his work ethic and his understanding of the complications of my surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Cheesman.

Patrick H.

Debbie Z.

Dr. Cheesman was great! We'll see if he mesaures up to Dr. black. I wouldn't go anywhere else! ROC rocks!

Debbie Z.

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John V.

Good communicator. Good listener. Personable. Straightforward. Very knowledgeable about my arthritic/ trigger thumb.

John V.

Bruce R.

Dr. Cheesman was very helpful and informative, offering solutions that I was not aware of, and a solid plan for future treatment. Highly recommended!

Bruce R.

DeeDee F.

Dr. Cheesman was very nice and took plenty of time to explain what was going on with my hand. He gave me all the options and his recommendation, which I agreed with. I'm very happy.

DeeDee F.

Terry M.

I was very impressed with Dr. Cheesman's professionalism and knowledge of my issue and his plan of treatment moving forward. I have full confidence in him and look forward to treatment.

Terry M.

Dianne S.

Dr. Cheesman and his amazing team gave me wonderful care and encouragement through the entire injury through surgery process. Healing and recovery are going well. The ROC staff and South Portland Surgical crew helped make surgery a success. I appreciate their efforts and am grateful for Dr. Cheesman's expertise.

Dianne S.

Doug M.

First time visit to ROC and the entire staff was helpful and friendly. Dr. Cheesman was very thorough with his questions, and examination of my symptoms. I was extremely pleased with his initial treatment, then waiting to see if the treatment works before a surgical option is needed. For now, the treatment is working very well to alleviate all discomfort and restore full flexibility and movement. Finally able to sleep through the night. Thank you ROC!

Doug M.

Charlene P.

Dr. Cheesman was an eexcellent hand surgeon. I had broken my right wrist that required surgery to repair. He did a great repair job. He followed me through the entire healing process. He was very compassionate and understanding. he took time to explain everything to me. I never felt rushed. I would highly recommend Dr. Cheesman.

Charlene P.

Dr. Cheesman's Insights

Comprehensive Orthopedic Treatment at ROC featuring Dr. Cheesman for Fox12 Oregon

Comprehensive Orthopedic Treatment at ROC featuring Dr. Cheesman for Fox12 Oregon

Fox 12 Good Day Living’s Stephanie Kralevich recently visited ROC’s Tualatin location to catch up with Sam Cheesman, M.D. Dr. Cheesman discusses his work in orthopedic hand care and the most common procedures he sees in his clinic, and what he enjoys ...
Understanding Small Joint Arthroplasty: A Solution for Pain Relief and Improved Mobility

Understanding Small Joint Arthroplasty: A Solution for Pain Relief and Improved Mobility

  Small joint arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement surgery, is a surgical solution aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in smaller joints, such as those in the hands, wrists, and fingers. Unlike the larger hip or knee ...
A Guide to Golfer’s Elbow: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options 

A Guide to Golfer’s Elbow: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options 

  Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury affecting the inner part of the elbow, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes even weakness in the wrist and forearm. Despite its name, Golfer’s Elbow isn’t limited to those ...