Top 30 Best Shoulder Surgeons in the US
Selecting the right specialist for shoulder care requires navigating a landscape of clinical data and peer-vetted expertise. The premier shoulder surgeons in the United States are defined by their mastery of both traditional joint replacement and cutting-edge techniques for orthopedic surgery. These elite practitioners are often distinguished not just by their high surgical volumes and low complication rates, but by their roles as innovators and educators in shoulder research who shape the future of orthopedic medicine. Some of the conditions and procedures they specialize in are as follows:
- Rotator cuff repair
- Elbow surgery
- Labrum tears
- Total Shoulder Replacement surgery
- Shoulder Arthroscopies
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Shoulder Instability
- Treatment of various other shoulder and elbow disorders
By identifying the leaders who earn the respect of their colleagues and consistently deliver superior patient outcomes, you can ensure that your care is in the hands of a surgeon who stands at the absolute pinnacle of the field.
Our Methodology
DoctorsDoctor identifies the surgeons other surgeons trust most through a structured, peer-selection process. We begin with a national panel of recognized shoulder specialists who independently name the colleagues they would choose for their own care or for a family member. There are no self-nominations, applications, or fees.
Every orthopedic surgeon named by the panel is then reviewed against clear criteria: meaningful experience in shoulder surgery, signals of strong outcomes and patient safety, leadership or contribution to the field, and solid professional standing. Only surgeons who meet this bar — and who are repeatedly named across the panel — are included.
Our criteria are designed to answer the questions patients actually care about: Does this surgeon have real experience with cases like mine? Do peers trust their judgment? Are they helping advance the field? Is their professional record sound? DoctorsDoctor is never pay-to-play, and there is no way to buy a listing. Inclusion must be earned and maintained through trust, evidence, and professionalism.
Joseph Abboud, MD
PennsylvaniaRothman Orthopaedic Institute
Selection Notes
National authority in shoulder surgery with extensive leadership in academic medicine, research, and clinical programs.
Christopher R. Chuinard, MD
MichiganGreat Lakes Orthopaedic Center
Selection Notes
Respected shoulder surgeon with national leadership experience and expertise in shoulder replacement and arthroscopy.
Derek J. Cuff, MD
FloridaSuncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Selection Notes
Peer-recognized shoulder surgeon with national honors and a focus on complex shoulder reconstruction.
Pat Denard, MD
OregonSouthern Oregon Orthopedics
Selection Notes
Internationally recognized shoulder specialist with expertise in rotator cuff disease and complex shoulder reconstruction.
Joshua S. Dines, MD
New YorkHospital for Special Surgery
Selection Notes
Academic sports and shoulder surgeon with leadership roles at nationally ranked orthopaedic institutions.
T. Bradley Edwards, MD
TexasFondren Orthopedic Group
Selection Notes
Academic shoulder surgeon with extensive contributions to research, education, and surgical literature.
Bassem T. Elhassan, MD
MassachusettsMassachusetts General Hospital
Selection Notes
Internationally recognized innovator in shoulder surgery with major contributions to advanced reconstruction techniques.
Reuben Gobezie, MD
OhioCleveland Shoulder Institute
Selection Notes
Founder and national leader in shoulder surgery with a strong focus on innovation, education, and complex care.
Felix "Buddy" Savoie III, MD
LouisianaTulane Institute of Sports Medicine
Selection Notes
Internationally respected shoulder surgeon with historic leadership roles across orthopaedic professional societies.
Andrew Jawa, MD
MassachusettsBoston Sports & Shoulder Center
Selection Notes
Program-building shoulder specialist with leadership roles in shoulder arthroplasty and academic orthopaedics.
E. Lyle Cain Jr., MD
AlabamaAndrews Sports Medicine
Selection Notes
Foundational leader in sports and shoulder surgery with decades of influence in clinical care and athletic medicine.
Jay D. Keener, MD
MissouriWashington University Orthopedics
Selection Notes
Academic leader in shoulder and elbow surgery with major contributions to research, education, and specialty advancement.
Michael J. Kissenberth, MD
South CarolinaSteadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas
Selection Notes
Academic shoulder surgeon with national influence in sports medicine, education, and clinical leadership.
Sumant "Butch" Krishnan, MD
TexasThe Shoulder Center at Baylor Dallas
Selection Notes
Internationally respected shoulder reconstruction specialist with leadership in academic and clinical program development.
Kevin Kruse, MD
TexasTexas Orthopaedic Associates
Selection Notes
Peer-recognized shoulder surgeon known for focused clinical practice and leadership within organized shoulder surgery.
Evan S. Lederman, MD
ArizonaBanner – University Medicine Orthopedics
Selection Notes
Peer-recognized sports and shoulder surgeon with leadership in education and fellowship training.
Jonathan C. Levy, MD
FloridaLevy Shoulder to Hand Center
Selection Notes
Internationally recognized shoulder reconstruction specialist with a strong focus on complex arthroplasty care.
Michael Metcalf, MD
UtahThe Orthopedic Partners
Selection Notes
Experienced shoulder surgeon recognized for long-standing clinical practice and expertise in sports and complex shoulder care.
Mark A. Mighell, MD
FloridaFlorida Orthopaedic Institute
Selection Notes
Nationally respected shoulder specialist with leadership roles in education, examination, and professional recognition.
Peter J. Millett, MD
ColoradoThe Steadman Clinic
Selection Notes
Globally recognized shoulder surgeon with extensive contributions to research, education, and advanced surgical techniques.
Anand Murthi, MD
MarylandMedStar Union Memorial Hospital
Selection Notes
Widely respected shoulder and elbow surgeon with national leadership, academic, and program-building experience.
Gregory P. Nicholson, MD
IllinoisMidwest Orthopaedics at Rush
Selection Notes
National leader in shoulder and elbow surgery with extensive academic, clinical, and society involvement.
Bradford O. Parsons, MD
New YorkMount Sinai Orthopedics
Selection Notes
Academic shoulder surgeon known for innovation, teaching, and leadership within major health systems.
Eric T. Ricchetti, MD
OhioCleveland Clinic Shoulder Center
Selection Notes
Academic shoulder specialist with leadership in one of the nation's leading shoulder centers and a strong research focus.
Anthony Romeo, MD
IllinoisDuly Health and Care Orthopedics
Selection Notes
Nationally recognized shoulder and elbow specialist with extensive academic, sports medicine, and professional society leadership.
Howard D. Routman, DO
FloridaAtlantis Orthopaedics
Selection Notes
Highly regarded shoulder surgeon known for clinical excellence and leadership within organized orthopaedics.
Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, MD
MinnesotaMayo Clinic
Selection Notes
Internationally respected shoulder surgeon with significant influence in research, teaching, and complex reconstruction.
Robert Z. Tashjian, MD
UtahUniversity of Utah Orthopaedics
Selection Notes
Academic leader in shoulder and elbow surgery with nationally recognized contributions to research and outcomes science.
David M. Weinstein, MD
ColoradoColorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence
Selection Notes
Experienced orthopaedic surgeon with long-standing involvement in elite athletic care and national sports medicine programs.
J. Michael Wiater, MD
MichiganMichigan Orthopaedic Surgeons
Selection Notes
Nationally respected shoulder reconstruction specialist with leadership roles in education and fellowship training.