About

Ethan W. Blackburn, M.D., earned his bachelor's degree from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and his medical degree from the University of Louisville. Dr. Blackburn completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Vermont in Burlington and a fellowship in hand and upper-extremity surgery at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in Indianapolis. Dr. Blackburn has done research in upper-extremity peripheral nerve repair and currently is involved in National Institutes of Health-sponsored studies evaluating surgical outcomes of wrist fractures and chronic nerve compression. He has special interests in nerve compression of the hand and arm, arthritis of the hand, wrist and elbow as well as complex elbow reconstruction. He cares for sports and work related injuries of the hand, wrist and elbow. Dr. Blackburn is board certified in orthopaedic surgery with a subspecialty certificate in surgery of the hand. He provides comprehensive, patient-centered surgical and nonsurgical upper-extremity care. He sees patients at Louisville Arm & Hand, a part of Norton Orthopaedic Care. Outside of work, Dr. Blackburn enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, skiing, photography, running and fishing. Dr. Blackburn has been voted by his peers as one of Louisville Magazine's Top Docs for 2019.

Locations



Expertise

Education

  • Indiana University School of Medicine

    Fellowship, Hand Surgery, 2013

  • University of Vermont College of Medicine GME

    Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2012

  • University of Louisville School of Medicine

    Medical Education, Doctor of Medicine, 2007

  • University of Vermont College of Medicine

    Internship, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2012


Age Groups Seen

Age Groups Seen
Pediatrics, Teenagers, Adults
Languages
English
Gender
Male

Reviews

4.90 out of 5 4.9 of 5 stars — 394 Ratings, 43 Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

provider listened carefully 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
provider gave easy to understand instruction 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
provider knew important medical history 4.80 out of 5 (4.8)
provider showed concern 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
provider spent enough time with you 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
provider rating 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
provider explained things clearly 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
likelihood of recommending this provider 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
provider included you in decisions 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
provider showed respect for what you said 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
provider discussed treatment options 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/19/2026

Wonderful experience

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/18/2026

I have recommended Ethan to numerous people

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/01/2026

Really happy with all the care shown

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/28/2026

I like Dr. Blackburn's treatment and concerns.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/15/2026

I ve had this issue for several years and established care in Louisville since I recently moved here. There wasn't much need to discuss what was causing my pain.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/14/2026

Everyone helped ease the mood considering I was have surgery. Very thankful to everyone who was apart of my process there

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/08/2026

Dr Blackburn is very professional and caring. He takes time to explain everything and ask if I have any questions

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/07/2026

Dr. Blackburn was caring kind and professional, also very encouraging

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/01/2026

Dr Blackburn solved my problem

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 07/21/2026

Great experience with Dr Blackburn

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 07/21/2026

Excellent medical care

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 07/18/2026

I already have!!!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 07/14/2026

Dr Blackburn is a very caring and compassionate person.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 07/12/2026

Dr. Blackburn is gentle, kind, respectful, helpful, and knowledgeable. I cannot complement him enough on his bedside manner and his medical treatment. I highly recommend him.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/26/2026

Good

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/14/2026

Good experience

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/11/2026

Dr Blackburn was professional and prompt in his care . Explained my injury and recommended care plan. Answered all my Qs with patience.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/06/2026

Professional and personable

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/05/2026

I was treated by this physician 7 years ago for another problem and had excellent results. This was a visit for treatment of a new problem and I also had excellent treatment this visit.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/05/2026

Professional, explains everything so easily understand. Very kind, and considerate.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/02/2026

Dr Blackburn is such a good doctor. He is caring, answers all questions, goes over all previous issues, and really listens. I have recommended him to many people. Those who saw him sing his praises.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/02/2026

Explained xray results & treatment plan & answered all my questions. I did not feel rushed.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/29/2026

Dr Blackburn was very professional and clear communication with the diagnosis, treatment options, and long term prognoius.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/19/2026

This is terrific care! The BEST!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/19/2026

Excellent

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/19/2026

Excellent experience

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/15/2026

I recommend Dr. Blackburn all the time for anybody having issues with hands or arms. I have been coming to him for years and have full faith than him. He is fantastic!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/07/2026

Great

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/05/2026

Professional, knowledgeable & reassuring!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/05/2026

This is the best experience I have had with a provider in years.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/01/2026

Dr. Ethan Blackburn MD is excellent!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 04/19/2026

Excellent experience. After methodical exam, the doctor administered appropriate treatment.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/13/2026

Good

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/07/2026

Dr spoke directly to me and answered my questions. Seemed concerned

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/03/2026

Would recommend Dr Blackburn

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/24/2026

Love this office and staff!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/21/2026

Dr explained what needed to be done and hopefully it will be taken care of within 2 weeks. Scheduler came in and set up for surgery so I didn't have to wait for them to call me and set it up later.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/10/2026

Spent time explaining my injury and told me how long it would take to completely be back to normal. Very nice professional and answered my questions

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/07/2026

Dr. Blackburn is great. I'm a nurse so my standards are high. He never appears rushed, he's very good about explaining exactly what's going on, exactly what he plans to do about it, and provides pros and cons without needing to be prompted. One of the best physicians I've interacted with over the years in terms of his apparent caring about and connecting to his patients. I honestly feel like he listens to me, which is rare in Healthcare these days.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/07/2026

Great Doctor

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/07/2026

Dr Blackburn is phenomenal. He is always very attentive, cares, and listens to all concerns. He provides all options for treatment and ensures you understand everything.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/03/2026

I was well pleased with everything. They were very friendly.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/03/2026

I have been a patient of this practice for more than 12 years & I wouldn't consider ever going anywhere else! Dr Goodin, Carly & Laura are the best!! Best experience I have ever had with a medical practice!


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna Better Health
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage
  • Ambetter from MHS
  • Ambetter from WellCare of Kentucky
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Kentucky Medicaid
  • Anthem MediBlue HMO/PPO
  • Anthem Pathway
  • Anthem Pathway Transition
  • CareSource Indiana Medicaid
  • CareSource Marketplace Kentucky and Indiana
  • Cigna
  • CorVel
  • Coventry
  • Encore
  • Essence
  • First Health Group Corp. (First Health)
  • UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute
  • HealthSmart
  • Hosparus
  • Humana Medicare
  • Humana Medicaid
  • Indiana Medicaid
  • Indiana Medicare
  • Indiana Health Network
  • Kentucky Medicaid
  • Kentucky Medicare
  • MDwise
  • MHS
  • Molina Healthcare
  • MultiPlan
  • Passport Health Plan Kentucky MCO
  • Passport Marketplace
  • Provider Net/OMCA
  • Sagamore
  • Signature Advantage
  • SIHO
  • TRICARE Humana Military
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Community Plan Indiana and Kentucky
  • United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
  • Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • WellCare
  • WellCare of Kentucky Medicaid (Kentucky MCO)
  • WellCare Medicare
  • Wellpath
  • Workers’ Compensation
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