
Christopher J Whalen, MD
Hip and Knee Orthopedic Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult 21-65
- Older Adult >65
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout
Care Philosophy
I aim to treat my patients like they are family and meet them where they are at. I put an emphasis on education, so my patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options.
Personal Statement
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching Wisconsin sports and being outdoors, including hiking, boating and running.
Clinical Interests
- Fracture care
- Hip and knee replacement (primary, post-traumatic, complex and revision, including direct anterior total hip arthroplasty)
- Metastatic cancer to bone
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Orthopedic infection
- Partial knee replacement
- Robotic joint replacement
- Same-day discharge joint replacement
Video
Locations
- Emplify Health La Crosse Orthopaedics
- 1900 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601
- Get Directions
- Phone: 608-775-2276
- Emplify Health Onalaska Orthopaedics
- 3111 Gundersen Drive, Onalaska, WI 54650
- Get Directions
- Phone: 608-775-8600
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: University of Virginia Medical Center, Adult Reconstructive Fellowship, 2021
- Residency: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Orthopedic Surgery, 2020
- Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin, 2015
Board Certifications
- Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2023
Insurance
- Aetna Health Management
- Amerigroup Iowa Inc
- Anthem BCBS WI
- Arise Health Plan/ WPS
- BCBS MN
- Benefit Plan Administrators
- Care Wisconsin
- CIGNA
- Community Link
- Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
- HealthEOS by Multiplan
- Healthpartners, Inc
- Independent Care Health Plan Medicaid
- Medica IFB
- Meritain Health
- MHS Health
- Midlands Choice
- Quartz
- The Alliance
- Tricare West
- Ucare Minnesota
- United Healthcare Inc.
- WCA Group Health Trust
- Wellmark BCBS IA
- Wisconsin Physician Services
Reviews
4.9 of 5 stars
170 Ratings, 48 ReviewsThe 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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2026
Dr. Whalen and his team were kind, courteous and skilled. I place full faith and trust in Dr. Whalen. Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2026
Dr. Whalen is a very compassionate doctor and he is one who listens to his patients and lets them really help to be part of the decision on whether or not to have surgery. I very much appreciate that. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/25/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2026
Very good Doctor, he provided options and the percentage rate of each one. He gave me all the tools to make a decision and did not tell me what to do which is Greatly appreciated and hard to find!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/11/2026
Doctor was great, very knowledgeable. Disappointed in length of time till surgery, since I wasn't informed how progressed (bone on bone) my hip was, before this appointment. Will have high pain for 3 months, till the surgery. May prayers will have to be said! ?
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/30/2026
I wish I could get in earlier for surgery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/26/2026
Dr. Whalen is such a positively fantastic doctor who helps you believe you're making the right decision to move forward in joint replacement. He replaced both of my wife's knees & that experience was as good as it could have possibly been. We're thankful for him & his whole team! :)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2026
all the pain in my knee are gone. He did a wonderful job. no
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2026
Gunderson staff is amazing. Dr. Whalen is awsome!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2026
I continue to have problems getting in constantly needing to change my password. I save them and then next I have to do it again I do it so often my book needs to cross out so many times not sure what I am using. I asked the checkout to not send on My Chart because of all the trouble I have to get in. I am computer challenged and just prefer to talk and then I can ask questions if I have them at that time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2026
Dr. Whalen and his staff are absolutely amazing, incredible, thoughtful, considerate, and I would recommend him to any person in the world and have recommended him often to people down at Mercy Center. And I am just very appreciative that he took me on as a patient and I think he's just an amazing person and your staff and his whole staff up there were just wonderful to be a part of. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2026
I am so glad I had the surgery, everyone involved was very professional and plesant.my knee is 100% like brand new!its amazing.i already have friends that need it and want to know who my ??DR was lol.im sending them your way.thank you to every one involved!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2026
Gundersen Emplify Gealth always goes beyond my expectations with treating ne as a oerspn and not just a number. This goes for everyone from valet parking to Surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/7/2026
The Dr really listened to my concerns and worked with me to help me move and feel better! That was very appreciated!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2026
Was comforting. Didn't talk around issues, got to the point.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2026
Dr. Whalen is the best. Very patient and explains so you can understand. Super!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/17/2026
Dr Whalen explained all my options but did not pressure me into making a decision immediately. He gave me take home information to read and said to contact him with any questions. I was very pleased and comfortable with his demeanor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2026
My appointment was just a little early. The doctor was in early too. He explained my procedure and will get my surgery scheduled . He was very concerned about my knee and timeline for surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2026
Dr. Whalen is great to work with. I have had multiple surgeries with him and he is great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2026
Excellent, very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2026
Everything went smoothly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2026
Dr. Whalen is extremely thorough in what he does when meeting with his patients. I felt very comfortable with him and he knew the details of my issue and he's a caring doctor and I really appreciate that and everything just was great with his visit and reassuring me that I was okay with an issue I was having.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/5/2026
Dr Whalen was so kind to answer my questions and so patient and I am so confident heading into the surgery after meeting him. The last thing he said was "we will take good care of you." I feel so fortunate he is doing the surgery. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2026
Dr Whalen, I feel, takes a personal interest in my care. I would not trust anyone else with my knee replacement . I appreciate the whole care team. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/31/2026
I had gone to the wrong X-ray dept (Imaging services) instead of X-ray within Orthopedics. Everyone helped me get to the right place while avoiding delay.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
I have never seen Dr Whalen before ,but the minute he came in the room I felt he had my best interest in mind. He listened carefully, explained what he would do so that I understood it completely. Wonderful Doctor!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/28/2026
Dr Whalen was nice, listened intently, knowledgeable, provided answers to all my questions. He was very professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
ir was perfect
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
MD Whalen in a good mechanic and I do trust him with my bones however this second hip endeavor turned into a much more involved surgery and recovery. He helped me through in performing a rework of the cup but it still feels like a long recovery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/21/2026
Dr. Whalen is AMAZING!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Great medical treatment and customer experience, as always.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Dr. Whalen and staff answered all my questions with care and respect. When I explained that I don't hear so I mostly read lips, Dr. Whalen repeated while looking right at me. I appreciated that effort.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
It was nice to have X- ray in the department
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr Whalen was very efficient, explained all test results and listened to my concerns. Answered all questions I has. Was very satisfied with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
I asked Dr. Whalen for a second opinion prior to having surgery. He was honest, forthright, didn't sugarcoat anything, answered all of our questions. I was amazed that he spent as much time with us as he did.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
He is a keeper
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
The process was very efficient and thorough. Good information about the upcoming surgery and process. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
The check in person look like he didn't really want to be there. Expressionless.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2025
Dr Whalen is always a big help to me. He listens to about my aches and does what we need to make things better for my day to day pain. The nurses are always friendly and I have nothing but good things to say about them and Dr. Whalen. In fact my sister is now coming to Dr. Whalen for a surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Everyone was awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2025
Way too many repetitive questions on the online check-in
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Everything about my visit went smoothly. No excess waiting and the staff was polite and efficient. Thank you for providing excellent care!
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2025
It was pleasant. Nice to be able to get coffee after appointment in the Onalaska clinic lobby to take home
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/18/2025
I felt very comfortable with the whole experience.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Having trouble with pass word and will be calling the beginning of next week week.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Appreciate being rescheduled quickly after my appointment was canceled this week and I am normally seen an Onalaska and was very surprised at how quickly I was seeing and how quickly the appointment went in lacrosse despite how busy they were
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2026
Dr. Whalen and his team were kind, courteous and skilled. I place full faith and trust in Dr. Whalen. Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2026
Dr. Whalen is a very compassionate doctor and he is one who listens to his patients and lets them really help to be part of the decision on whether or not to have surgery. I very much appreciate that. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/25/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2026
Very good Doctor, he provided options and the percentage rate of each one. He gave me all the tools to make a decision and did not tell me what to do which is Greatly appreciated and hard to find!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/11/2026
Doctor was great, very knowledgeable. Disappointed in length of time till surgery, since I wasn't informed how progressed (bone on bone) my hip was, before this appointment. Will have high pain for 3 months, till the surgery. May prayers will have to be said! ?
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/30/2026
I wish I could get in earlier for surgery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/26/2026
Dr. Whalen is such a positively fantastic doctor who helps you believe you're making the right decision to move forward in joint replacement. He replaced both of my wife's knees & that experience was as good as it could have possibly been. We're thankful for him & his whole team! :)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2026
all the pain in my knee are gone. He did a wonderful job. no
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2026
Gunderson staff is amazing. Dr. Whalen is awsome!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2026
I continue to have problems getting in constantly needing to change my password. I save them and then next I have to do it again I do it so often my book needs to cross out so many times not sure what I am using. I asked the checkout to not send on My Chart because of all the trouble I have to get in. I am computer challenged and just prefer to talk and then I can ask questions if I have them at that time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2026
Dr. Whalen and his staff are absolutely amazing, incredible, thoughtful, considerate, and I would recommend him to any person in the world and have recommended him often to people down at Mercy Center. And I am just very appreciative that he took me on as a patient and I think he's just an amazing person and your staff and his whole staff up there were just wonderful to be a part of. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2026
I am so glad I had the surgery, everyone involved was very professional and plesant.my knee is 100% like brand new!its amazing.i already have friends that need it and want to know who my ??DR was lol.im sending them your way.thank you to every one involved!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2026
Gundersen Emplify Gealth always goes beyond my expectations with treating ne as a oerspn and not just a number. This goes for everyone from valet parking to Surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/7/2026
The Dr really listened to my concerns and worked with me to help me move and feel better! That was very appreciated!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2026
Was comforting. Didn't talk around issues, got to the point.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2026
Dr. Whalen is the best. Very patient and explains so you can understand. Super!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/17/2026
Dr Whalen explained all my options but did not pressure me into making a decision immediately. He gave me take home information to read and said to contact him with any questions. I was very pleased and comfortable with his demeanor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2026
My appointment was just a little early. The doctor was in early too. He explained my procedure and will get my surgery scheduled . He was very concerned about my knee and timeline for surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2026
Dr. Whalen is great to work with. I have had multiple surgeries with him and he is great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2026
Excellent, very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2026
Everything went smoothly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2026
Dr. Whalen is extremely thorough in what he does when meeting with his patients. I felt very comfortable with him and he knew the details of my issue and he's a caring doctor and I really appreciate that and everything just was great with his visit and reassuring me that I was okay with an issue I was having.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/5/2026
Dr Whalen was so kind to answer my questions and so patient and I am so confident heading into the surgery after meeting him. The last thing he said was "we will take good care of you." I feel so fortunate he is doing the surgery. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2026
Dr Whalen, I feel, takes a personal interest in my care. I would not trust anyone else with my knee replacement . I appreciate the whole care team. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/31/2026
I had gone to the wrong X-ray dept (Imaging services) instead of X-ray within Orthopedics. Everyone helped me get to the right place while avoiding delay.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
I have never seen Dr Whalen before ,but the minute he came in the room I felt he had my best interest in mind. He listened carefully, explained what he would do so that I understood it completely. Wonderful Doctor!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/28/2026
Dr Whalen was nice, listened intently, knowledgeable, provided answers to all my questions. He was very professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
ir was perfect
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
MD Whalen in a good mechanic and I do trust him with my bones however this second hip endeavor turned into a much more involved surgery and recovery. He helped me through in performing a rework of the cup but it still feels like a long recovery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/21/2026
Dr. Whalen is AMAZING!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Great medical treatment and customer experience, as always.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Dr. Whalen and staff answered all my questions with care and respect. When I explained that I don't hear so I mostly read lips, Dr. Whalen repeated while looking right at me. I appreciated that effort.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
It was nice to have X- ray in the department
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr Whalen was very efficient, explained all test results and listened to my concerns. Answered all questions I has. Was very satisfied with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
I asked Dr. Whalen for a second opinion prior to having surgery. He was honest, forthright, didn't sugarcoat anything, answered all of our questions. I was amazed that he spent as much time with us as he did.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
He is a keeper
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
The process was very efficient and thorough. Good information about the upcoming surgery and process. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
The check in person look like he didn't really want to be there. Expressionless.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2025
Dr Whalen is always a big help to me. He listens to about my aches and does what we need to make things better for my day to day pain. The nurses are always friendly and I have nothing but good things to say about them and Dr. Whalen. In fact my sister is now coming to Dr. Whalen for a surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Everyone was awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2025
Way too many repetitive questions on the online check-in
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Everything about my visit went smoothly. No excess waiting and the staff was polite and efficient. Thank you for providing excellent care!
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2025
It was pleasant. Nice to be able to get coffee after appointment in the Onalaska clinic lobby to take home
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/18/2025
I felt very comfortable with the whole experience.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Having trouble with pass word and will be calling the beginning of next week week.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Appreciate being rescheduled quickly after my appointment was canceled this week and I am normally seen an Onalaska and was very surprised at how quickly I was seeing and how quickly the appointment went in lacrosse despite how busy they were