About Northwest Surgery Center

Foot Surgery Specialists

Northwest Surgery Center focuses on minimally invasive bunion and hammertoe surgery in a convenient outpatient setting. Patients receive practical guidance, careful correction, and a recovery plan built around getting back on their feet.

Book Free Consult Contact Us

Woman receiving foot and ankle treatment guidance from a doctor and clinical team member — **What makes the center different**

Minimally invasive techniques using tiny incisions when appropriate.

Same-day outpatient care with walking after surgery for many patients.

Medicare and many major insurance plans accepted.

1970s: Founded in Milwaukee
1993: Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center
30+ years: Treating patients
Same day: Walking for many patients

Why patients choose us

Why Choose Northwest Surgery Center?

The center is built around focused foot care, efficient outpatient surgery, and a patient experience that feels clear from consultation through recovery.

Minimally Invasive Techniques
Smaller incisions can mean less disruption, reduced swelling, and a smoother recovery for the right candidates.
Experienced Surgeon
Dr. Brant L. McCartan brings decades of focused foot and ankle surgery experience to each treatment plan.
Same-Day Walking
Many patients leave in a surgical shoe the same day, with specific instructions for protecting their result.
Local and Convenient
The Milwaukee surgical center is easy to reach on N. Mayfair Road and offers free parking.
Insurance Friendly
The team works with Medicare and major insurance plans, with normal surgical copays and deductibles applying.
Personal Care
You get a direct explanation of your diagnosis, treatment choices, and expected recovery.

Watch

Inside Milwaukee’s Leader in Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Hear how Northwest Surgery Center approaches bunion correction: tiny incisions, a private outpatient setting, and care built around getting you back on your feet.

Our team

Meet the People Behind Your Care

From your first call through post-operative follow-up, our Milwaukee team is here to make every step feel personal, clear, and comfortable.

Owner & Surgeon

Dr. Brant McCartan

Dr. McCartan is board certified in foot surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and podiatric medicine. As former president of the Academy of Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery, he also teaches minimally invasive techniques to physicians from around the world.

Northwest Surgery Center: 30+ years treating patients.
Known online as “toepicasso” through social media, education, and local media features.

View Dr. McCartan’s Credentials

AdministratorGail
With 13 years at Northwest Surgery Center, Gail brings experienced, compassionate leadership to the center and its patient care.
Registered NurseJessica
Jessica is a bilingual registered nurse who helps patients feel understood, informed, and well cared for throughout their visit.
Medical AssistantShanon
Shanon brings nine years of medical-assisting experience and a steady commitment to compassionate, efficient patient care.
Registered NurseAllison
With 21 years of nursing experience, Allison focuses on patient comfort, clear procedure education, and practical post-operative guidance.
Medical ReceptionistCindy
Cindy is the welcoming face and voice patients rely on for friendly assistance, scheduling information, and answers.
Brand AmbassadorMarissa McCartan
Since 2021, Marissa has helped shape a warm, personal experience that makes every patient feel like part of the Northwest family.

Our mission

Help patients walk comfortably and confidently through safe, minimally invasive foot surgery and personal attention at every step.

Clear consultation with imaging when needed.
Transparent discussion of options and recovery.
Follow-up support after your procedure.

Our surgical center

Your visit, step by step

Northwest Surgery Center is a licensed outpatient surgical center in Milwaukee designed for focused foot procedures without the hassle of a large hospital visit. Patients can expect a private setting, free parking, and a team that explains the process before surgery day.

Consultation
Meet with the team, review your foot concerns, and understand your treatment choices.
Same-Day Procedure
When surgery is right, procedures are planned around an efficient outpatient visit.
Walk Out With Guidance
Many patients leave in a surgical shoe and receive clear recovery instructions.
Post-Op Support
The team follows your progress and helps you protect your result during recovery.

Dr. Robert A. Nielsen, founder of Northwest Surgery Center — **Dr. Robert A. Nielsen**Founder, Northwest Surgery Center

Our beginnings

The History of Northwest Surgery Center

Dr. Robert A. Nielsen founded Northwest Surgery Center in the 1970s, establishing an early practice dedicated to minimally invasive foot surgery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dr. Nielsen performed the center’s first successful minimally invasive procedure in his office during that decade. Thousands of successful procedures followed, building a lasting foundation for specialized foot care.

1951

Licensed to practice in Wisconsin

The State Board of Medical Examiners issued Dr. Nielsen Certificate No. 263, authorizing him to practice chiropody in Wisconsin.

Chiropody Certificate · July 11, 1951 (opens in a new tab)
1970s

Northwest Surgery Center is founded

Dr. Nielsen opens a practice dedicated to minimally invasive foot surgery and performs the center’s first successful minimally invasive procedure in his office. On May 24, 1972, he completes an intensive postgraduate course in Ambulatory Podiatric Surgery and Office Protocol.

Postgraduate Surgical Training · May 24, 1972 (opens in a new tab)
1993

Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center

Northwest Surgery Center becomes a certified Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Today

Minimally invasive care today

Today, owner and surgeon Dr. Brant L. McCartan leads the center’s minimally invasive bunion and hammertoe surgery in Milwaukee.
Meet Dr. McCartan