How to find the best shoulder surgeon

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by Our Team

When searching for the best shoulder surgeon near you, it is important to find an Orthopedic surgeon who is well-trained, experienced, and genuinely focused on your needs. Here are some reasons why Dr. Ronak M. Patel is regarded as the best shoulder surgeon in Illinois and Indiana.

Expert Orthopedic Training

Dr. Ronak M. Patel is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in Illinois and Indiana and is fellowship-trained in sports medicine. He treats adolescents and adults with sports medicine injuries. Certification affirms that an Orthopedic surgeon has met high standards – set by their peers – of knowledge, experience and lifelong learning that are essential for providing all patients with excellence. Dr. Patel graduated from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and performed his Orthopedic residency at Northwestern as well.

Dr. Patel completed his fellowship training in Sports Medicine at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, learning the most advanced and innovative surgical procedures, tending to professional athletes from the Cavaliers (NBA), Browns (NFL) and the Guardians (formerly the Indians, MLB) , and most importantly, helping patients function without pain. At Hinsdale Orthopaedics, Dr. Patel brings world-renowned shoulder care back to his hometown. 

What does it mean to be a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon?

Board-certified Orthopedic surgeons must graduate from an accredited four-year medical school and have successfully complete a five-year accredited Orthopedic residency program in the United States or Canada.

After completing an accredited residency program, they must take a Part I computer-based examination. An Orthopedic surgeon who has passed the Part 1 exam, is eligible to take Part II an oral examination. They must have a full and unrestricted medical license and have been in practice for 17 months in one location. Peer reviews are required.  If the board decides the candidate is eligible to take Part II, they will be admitted to take the oral exam. After passing the Part II exam, they will receive board certification and become a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. 

What does it mean to be fellowship trained in sports medicine?

A fellowship in sports medicine is a one-year program that has been accredited by the Council for Graduate Medical Education. A fellowship-trained Orthopedic surgeon elects to spend an extra year of specialty Orthopedic training focusing on sports medicine.

Dr. Patel has a history of academic excellence

Dr. Patel’s history of academic excellence is another reason why he is regarded as one of the best Orthopedic surgeons in Illinois and Indiana. Dr. Patel was one of a small group of students selected nationally into Northwestern University’s prestigious Honors Program in Medical Education, allowing him to complete his pre-medical education and B.A. in Economics in three years and then attend Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Engaged in Orthopaedic research and establishing mentors at Northwestern, Dr. Patel stayed at Northwestern for his Orthopaedic Residency. His care of patients, work ethic and teaching abilities earned him the honorable notion of Chief Resident.

Dr. Patel is focused on creating an exceptional sports medicine patient experience.

Dr. Patel’s approach to patient care is individualized, based on each patient’s injury and their level of function. He believes in practicing evidence-based Orthopaedic Surgery, giving the patient the best chance for success. Dr. Patel has published over 40 publications and book chapters and has presented his research over 70 times nationally and internationally. Dr. Patel is an Associate editor for The Journal of Cartilage and Joint Preservation. He is also actively involved in research and academic meetings to provide the most current care to his patients.

Dr. Ronak M. Patel is the best shoulder surgeon in Illinois and Indiana.

Dr. Patel is extensively trained in arthroscopic management of shoulder problems including impingement, rotator cuff tears, labral tears and biceps tendonitis, shoulder dislocations, and distal biceps tears. His research in treating shoulder instability has helped surgeons internationally better treat bone loss in patients with chronic instability.

Dr. Patel is skillful at the intricacies of treating traumatic sports injuries and overuse injuries and getting athletes back in the game. He offers advanced and minimally invasive procedures for shoulder injuries. Dr. Patel has a passion for athletics and compassion for athletes suffering from sports injuries and their desire to return to their chosen sport.

His focus is on prolonging the life of the native joint as long as possible. To that end, he uses cartilage restoration, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy and other orthobiologics techniques to promote tissue healing and joint longevity. Dr. Patel also works closely with physical therapists to help restore patients to maximal function.

When you or a loved one needs an Orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports injuries, contact Dr. Patel at Hinsdale Orthopedics. He serves patients not only from Chicagoland and the Tristate area, but also from Canada, Mexico and internationally.