John V. Watkins is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in Pain Management and Anesthesiology. Dr. Watkins earned his undergraduate degrees in psychology and biology with a minor in biochemistry from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and earned a medical degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.  Dr. Watkins received his post graduate training at UCLA Medical Center in General Surgery and Anesthesiology. He specialized in Pain Management. 

Completing residency Dr. Watkins was faculty at the West Los Angeles VA/UCLA where he was a clinical professor until 1995 whereupon he began private practice and opened a comprehensive pain center in Los Angeles. He remained in private practice in California until being recruited by the Navajo Nation to serve as Chief of Anesthesia and was able to establish the first pain management center on a reservation for Native Americans in the United States in 2011. He is now proud to join the New Mexico Bone & Joint Institute. 

Dr. Watkins has vast knowledge of spine disorders and treatment from his experience in tertiary medical centers and private pain practice including the Brain and Spine Center/Neurosurgical Associates of Los Angeles. Dr. Watkins is an expert in spine care as it relates to injury and workman’s compensation. He has extensive experience in evaluation, surgical implantation and management of Neuromodulation devices. This includes Spinal Cord Stimulation and Dorsal Root Stimulation. His experience and compassion will enhance the New Mexico Bone & Joint Institutes’ commitment to returning patients to a successful lifestyle.