Thomas F Holovacs, MD

Thomas F Holovacs, MD

Not currently accepting new patients

4.772973 average rating from 185 patient reviews

Specialties

Affiliation

Mass General Brigham

Provider Locations

  • Waltham, MA
  • Boston, MA

Dr. Thomas Holovacs specializes in Shoulder & Sports Medicine. He treats patients and athletes of all ages from teens to seniors. Using state of the art arthroscopic and reconstructive techniques, he helps patients achieve their activity and athletic goals.

Why is Dr. Holovacs a shoulder surgeon? His first exposure to the field of orthopaedics and shoulder surgery was from shoulder pain and instability he had as an elite, teenage swimmer. As a young adult, Dr. Holovacs had four shoulder surgeries, which gives him a unique perspective into both the patient side and doctor/surgeon side of shoulder problems.

Dr. Holovacs' earned his BA at the Univ of Pennsylvania where he was a four-year letterman in swimming. As a senior he was elected team captain of the men's varsity swim team. Dr. Holovacs earned his MD from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where he was selected to be a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

Dr. Holovacs completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Duke University Medical Center. While at Duke, he was an Assistant Resident Team Physician for all Duke athletic teams, including the 2001 NCAA National Championship men's basketball team. As a resident, Dr. Holovacs honed his shoulder expertise and sports medicine skills at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC.

After residency, Dr. Holovacs developed additional expertise in shoulder and sports medicine surgery when he was selected as the prestigious Intercontinental Shoulder Fellow. He gained more shoulder specialization through fellowships at the Mass General Harvard Shoulder Service and the University of Zurich, Balgrist Hospital in Switzerland.

Dr. Holovacs joined the Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery at Mass General in 2002 as a member of both the Shoulder Service and the Sports Medicine Service. His personal passion for shoulder problems as a teenager and young adult is now the focus of his career - specialized, expert shoulder and sports medicine care for athletes and active/athletic patients of all ages.

For more information, visit www.shoulderwork.com

Education & Training

  • Fellowship: Balgrist Hospital, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2002
  • Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2002
  • Residency: Duke University Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2001
  • Medical Education: Columbia University, 1995

Board Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Languages Spoken

  • English

Age Group Treated

  • Adults

Patient Feedback

4.772973 average rating from 185 reviews

  • He has been my doctor for years. I have the most respect and trust in him

    2026-08-02

  • Pleasant, knowledgeable, explain things well.

    2026-07-26

  • I have 100% trust in Dr. Holovacs and PA [redacted]

    2026-07-17

  • Dr Holovacs has been my surgeon for about 16 years, I have had several shoulder surgeries under his expertise and excellent care. He performs at the high standard of patient care, surgical expertise and personal report He is an amazing and caring human being. I strongly and highly recommended.

    2026-07-13

  • Dr Holovacs is a great doc

    2026-07-13

  • Well, I have had this Doctor for shoulder surgery in the past and woudn't see anyone else for shoulder care.

    2026-07-02

  • All good

    2026-06-28

  • Doctor confirmed there was not any serious injuries or pre-existing damage which urgent care doctor mentioned before requesting I see a shoulder specialist. I was confused by the urgent care doctor request.

    2026-06-28

  • Excellent care

    2026-06-28

  • Tom was excellent to work with throughout my experience. He was extremely knowledgeable, always took the time to explain things clearly, and made sure all of my questions were answered. He was professional, respectful, and genuinely cared about providing the best possible care. His communication and expertise made the entire process much easier, and I always felt comfortable and confident in his guidance. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking care.

    2026-06-23

  • I never felt rushed. Everything was explained to me what the next steps would be. I was very happy with the Dr. and his staff

    2026-06-22

  • DR Holovacs and his entire team were excellent in every way. The manner in which they conducted the analysis, explained it, listen to my thoughts, and then developed the action plan was perfect.

    2026-06-16

  • Excellent visit. Answers questions asked. Explains thoroughly the plan of care. Supports follow- up if needed.

    2026-06-14

  • He was very respectful, knowledgeable and professional. He explained all the aspects of my continued care and if necessary recovery after the procedure.

    2026-06-10

  • Very caring, compassionate and knowledgeable about my medical condition. Outstanding service.

    2026-06-01

  • Very attentive

    2026-05-25

  • The entire staff do Fantastic job

    2026-05-24

  • He explained the injury that I have and what he would like to do to help me be out of pain and I was very happy with the fact that he said that he could help me be out of pain. Thank you. I don't know what else you want me to say.

    2026-05-20

  • Knowledgable, respectful, he was about 40 min late. Took as much time as I needed.

    2026-05-18

  • Dr. Holovacs was excellent. He was very thorough. I would highly recommend him.

    2026-05-17

  • Friendly, expert advice and full Understanding of my needs

    2026-05-17

  • He was very personable, and I was a little nervous about the surgery, but he gave me words of comfort.

    2026-05-12

  • This surgery turned out to be complicated, and the doctor sometimes contradicted himself when explaining what happened.

    2026-05-04

  • Extremely helpful...this was a second opinion from a previous surgery and although disappointed in the answer very helpful

    2026-05-03

  • Haven't has the surgery yet, but all the pre-op experience has been excellent.

    2026-05-03

  • I was very at ease with Dr. Holovacs and I was very comfortable and he explained everything in detail and I, again, I think he's a very great provider and I am glad I drove to Boston to see him.

    2026-04-08

  • Staff at the facility were outstanding. [redacted] I was then escorted to a room by a staff member who reviewed my medications and advised me what would happen next. He left and a few minutes later the doctor and his assistant entered the room. They were outstanding, very informative and listened to my questions and concerns. Outstanding patient medical care and management!!

    2026-04-05

  • Everything was good.

    2026-04-05

  • Both the resident and the surgeon were very caring, personable, informative and explained things well and discussed options for treatment. They took time to answers all questions and provided straightforward answers.

    2026-04-05

  • I spent 7 months in pain ranging from moderate to excruciating and Dr Holovacs completely removed that pain. Mind you he did about 6 different procedures on my shoulder, but most of them were to fix pain. I am confident that it was his skill and knowledge and him going the extra distance while I was already under that eradicated my pain and gave me my joy back. I do not think u would have had the same result elsewhere.

    2026-03-29

  • Yes, my experience with Dr. Holovacs was very good, very professional, and I'm looking forward to the care that I'm going to receive from him and his staff. Thank you.

    2026-03-25

  • Great

    2026-03-24

  • The team were courteous and listened to me. I am thankful to have such a great medical resource near me.

    2026-03-23

  • Excellent provider mass general is the best

    2026-03-22

  • Everyone was professional and I liked that they all spoke with terminology I could understand

    2026-03-12

  • First time meeting Dr Holovacs and some of his staff. I was impressed with the attention to my injury and up coming surgery. Many questions asked which I gladly provided answers to. Dr. Holovacs did a thorough review and exam of my shoulder, gave details of his plans and what could change once he starts the surgery. I am extremely comfortable with having Dr Holovacs and his team operate on my shoulder and provide the care I will need.

    2026-03-10

  • It was excellent

    2026-03-09

  • No provider has ever been more thoughtful and clear with recommendations.

    2026-03-10

  • Dr Holovacs was recommended by a customer of mine. I was able to see him quickly which surprised me. He saw me before my surgery and I felt it would go well. I have been wanting the process of healing to speed up but finally got understanding that it was soft tissue and I need to be patient.

    2026-03-09

  • Provider listened and clearly went over care treatment options.

    2026-03-09

  • It was great

    2026-03-09

  • Dr Holovacs is an excellent Orthopedic doctor. Explained all my options and carefully told me what to expect and what I should do at this time in my life. A close friend had surgery with Dr. Holovacs and was very pleased with the results. I will definitely refer him to anyone looking for a good Orthopedic surgeon

    2026-03-08

  • Dr Holovacs could have not been nicer also his PA. He listened to what I had to say and my concerns about having surgery. He insured me that I would be completely fixed up possibly needing both shoulder surgeries. I will definitely recommend him to anyone having shoulder issues or needing surgery. Just a top notch guy and down to earth.

    2026-03-08

  • I do think that this doctor is the best doctor I have honestly ever seen and I have seen a lot of doctors. Not only did he explain next steps so clearly and more than once he acknowledged my lifestyle and didn't have any assumptions about what could have happened he was nice. He was efficient. He was a good communicator.

    2026-03-02

  • overall experience very good at MGH West. [redacted]

    2026-02-16

  • I used this surgeon for a previous surgery, years ago, which is why I chose to return

    2026-02-24

  • I had a wonderful experience much quicker than I thought and I would definitely recommend Dr. Holovac to anybody that was looking for surgery on their shoulder. He was great.

    2026-02-11

  • I have high confidence in Dr Holovacs and his team.

    2026-02-09

  • Seems well knowledgeable. I hope to get my surgery asap so I can go on without any more pain and discomfort

    2026-02-03

  • This was my initial appointment with Dr. Holovacs and his PA [redacted]. We thoroughly reviewed my accident and my concerns moving forward. I couldn't be more pleased with the entire visit and look forward to continuing with this great team!

    2026-02-02

  • Dr. Holovacs and PA [redacted] are superb. I could not be more pleased than the results of my reverse shoulder replacement. In the office for my visit they make me feel heard and understood and take great care to understand the issue. I feel confident when I am in their presence as they know how to treat the concerns appropriately. Kudos to the entire staff. I highly recommend them!! :)

    2026-02-01

  • Of all the practices I've been to for appointments, mass general has had the best doctors and have listened more to me than anyone else

    2026-01-25

  • Dr was amazing and told me more than previously used Dr at another facility

    2026-01-25

  • Very professional medical office

    2026-01-19

  • I consider him to be the best in his field

    2026-01-18

  • Dr H's team has always been the best

    2026-01-05

  • I left the appointment fully convinced of my decision to undergo the procedure. It was well explained by Dr. Holovacs and his staff, and scheduling was easily accomplished. In addition, follow-up emails were timely and informative.

    2025-12-22

  • Fantastic consultation with this carefully listening, efficient team and a surgeon who was thoughtful and offered honest and knowledgeable advice in an upbeat, encouraging manner! I was totally impressed!!

    2025-12-21

  • Thorough and professional as always

    2025-12-20

  • I like the doctor. I don't like where it's located

    2025-12-17

  • Pleasant but aloof.

    2025-12-08

  • Excellent clarity, engagement, explanations, bedside manner, very efficient too

    2025-12-07

  • Theated me Good Thank you are the Best

    2025-12-01

  • I appreciate and value the authenticity of the care provider(s). (MD) Dr Thomas Holovacs explained the reason why the surgery I'll be having is necessary. Before I met him, and the team, I was very worried because I never had a shoulder surgery before and don't know what it's going to be like. But listening to him talk about what he understands regarding the surgery, it made me feel comfortable and the worries I had diminished significantly. And also, before the appointment, the team stayed in touch with me and communicated with the folks from my healthcare services program that I was provided with for different outside reasons, which staying in contact made it possible to find a convenient appointment schedule, that enabled me to meet and have a productive conversation on the 18th of November with Dr Holovacs and members of the Care Provider(s) team. I am very thankful. note: And as Thanksgiving is near, I just want to wish everyone happy holidays, - may this holiday season bring all comfort, happiness and new beginnings.

    2025-11-27

  • Dr. Holovacs is terrific. Great conversation, covered everything. [redacted] was with him and she is equally good. Could not be more pleased with the care they have provided.

    2025-11-26

  • We adore Tom Holovacs. I have had a total shoulder replacement. A knee microfracture and an L3- L4 back surgery done my him. My husband, [redacted] also a rotator cuff by him. [redacted]

    2025-11-25

  • Very personable and very knowledgeable.

    2025-11-17

  • It was a good and helpful experience.

    2025-11-17

  • Dr Holovacs is a gem!!!

    2025-10-26

  • My husband and I first met w Dr. [redacted], who had great demeanor, good listener. Dr Holovacs came in after conferring with Dr. [redacted] and clearly laid out my four options. Both of them listened to and answered my many questions. In the end we decided it was good to start w PT and stronger anti-inflammatory meds. [redacted] I appreciated Dr. Holovac's clarity, honestly, and decisiveness.

    2025-10-19

  • Dr. Holovacs listened to all my concerns and answered all of them. He made it a point to make sure I knew everything I would need to know. Very thorough and polite.

    2025-10-18

  • [redacted] I was quite surprised by Dr Holovacs's manner. I felt that he was dismissive and even insulting. [redacted]

    2025-10-15

  • Very knowledgeable. Warm manner Answered all questions Highly recommend

    2025-10-12

  • Concierge service

    2025-10-08

  • Dr. holovacs is a star in the mgh orthopedics department. I like his direct approach in talking with me. My fear is he will be overloaded with patients and will burn out. He did both reverse shoulder replacements for me. Grateful.

    2025-10-06

  • Excellent medical provider and PA. Sincere concern for my health and offered me all the treatment's options available to help me with my condition. Warm and caring team.

    2025-09-28

  • They were all very professional and caring

    2025-09-28

Accepted Insurance

  • Tufts Medicare Preferred
  • Wellpoint
  • Senior Whole Health
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Maine Community Health Options
  • Medicaid ME
  • Aetna
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Tufts Health Plan
  • Multiplan
  • Commonwealth Care Alliance
  • Railroad Medicare
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
  • Medicaid NY
  • TriCare
  • Medicaid NH
  • Humana
  • Mass General Brigham Health Plan
  • WellSense
  • Coventry
  • WellSense NH
  • United Health Care
  • Fallon Health
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield - Indemnity
  • MassHealth
  • Beech Street
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid VT
  • Medicaid RI