Dr. David Nielsen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced expertise in hand, upper extremity, and shoulder surgery. He brings over two decades of surgical experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care as the founder of Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center.
Dr. Nielsen earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency through Ohio University in Dayton, followed by a highly specialized fellowship in Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Surgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Before establishing his practice in Charlottesville, Dr. Nielsen served on the staff of the Hand Section at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, where he provided expert care to pediatric patients with complex upper limb conditions.
Dr. Nielsen treats general musculoskeletal conditions as well as specializing in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, offering both surgical and nonsurgical solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. In addition to general orthopedics, he holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery; a distinction that reflects his advanced training and dedication to excellence in this field. He is actively involved in several national and regional orthopedic societies and is a frequent lecturer at both local and national events.
Dr. Nielsen served as the Chief of Surgery and also the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Martha Jefferson Hospital meaning he oversaw the entire Surgery and Anesthesia Section including all specialties of surgery, including orthopedics. He was also the Chairman of the Board at Monticello Community Surgery Center, now known as UVA Surgical Care Riverside. These positions have allowed a broad perspective of all stages of the surgical processes and how they are interrelated with the economic, administrative and personal side of delivering healthcare to people everyday.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Nielsen enjoys spending time with his daughter, as well as traveling, cooking, enjoying music, and participating in a variety of outdoor and sporting activities.
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