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.
Patient Resources
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Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
“I went to Dr. Nielsen for a second opinion on a dislocated hand. My first surgeon recommended surgery without much consideration. A friend suggested Dr. Nielsen, who spent time reviewing my case and concluded that I only needed rehabilitation. He was right! He's an excellent doctor.”
We chose Charlottesville Orthopedic for my husband who was having knee issues, they are so advanced in options and explain all options!! Professional Staff !!
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
Dr. Nielsen and his team are great! I’m relatively new to the Charlottesville area and have been very frustrated by the long wait times for medical appointments and then the brevity of those appointments once they finally arrive. Dr. Nielsen and his team are the opposite. They go above and beyond spending more than ample time with you, clearly explaining their diagnosis and answering any questions you may have. I highly recommend them.
I cannot say enough great things about Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center! I fell and broke my wrist, called my PC and they suggested them. Natalie was awesome! The first broken bone I have ever had and I was quite nervous. The techs were great with X-rays and fitting me with a cast. After a few months of appointments I am on the road to recovery!! The ladies at the front desk are always friendly and make me feel welcome too. It is nice to know of such a great practice here in Charlottesville. Kudos!!
The whole team is great from the from the front desk to the operating room. They all went above and beyond to make sure I had an excellent surgery and follow up appointments. Thank you guys for a great experience.
I want to share that my experience at this clinic was 10/10. I was supremely impressed by the friendliness of the front office staff, the x-ray technician, and the Physician Assistant, Natalie. I am so grateful I was referred here by Dr. Sam Spillman. Special thanks to Natalie for taking my appointment last minute, and providing exceptional care for my injured knee.
