Physician Assistant T.J. O’Connor, originally of Bethel, with Dr. Thomas Fortney and a team of three others performed the first robotic-assisted total shoulder replacement in Northern New England last year.

Since that milestone Dec. 3, 2025, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire, the team has completed about 25 reverse total shoulder arthroplasty surgeries.

“The outcomes are encouraging thus far,” said O’Connor, who lives in Pelham, New Hampshire, with his wife, Danielle, and son, Reid.

The surgery is an option for patients with shoulder arthritis, and irreparable rotator cuff tears. The robot gives the surgeon precision accuracy in placing one of the key components to the surgery. The goal is that it will lead to more predictable favorable outcomes such as increased range of motion and increased stability as well as less pain.

“I am very fortunate to have the privilege to assist in these surgeries and help provide patients with outstanding outcomes,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor grew up in Bethel and attended Crescent Park School and Telstar Middle/High School. 

He has a bachelor’s degree in science and certificate in athletic training from Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire, and a master’s degree in business administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. He holds a Master of Science degree in physician assistant from the University of New England in Biddeford.

His mother, Terri O’Connor, works at Sunday River Resort in Newry and his father, Tim O’Connor, is a longtime teacher and coach at Telstar Middle/High School in Bethel.