When the conversation turns to excellence in reconstructive and nerve surgery, Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D., is a name that commands global respect. Based at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, Dr. Elkwood’s career is a testimony to innovation, surgical mastery, and patient-centered care. From brachial plexus injuries to limb paralysis and pudendal neuralgia, he has made groundbreaking contributions that continue to shape the landscape of complex reconstructive surgeries.
A Pioneering Background in Medicine
Dr. Elkwood’s educational journey is as impressive as his surgical accomplishments. He holds his medical degree from the College of Union University in Albany, New York, and also earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Union College in Schenectady. His additional studies at Columbia University added further depth to his medical foundation. His surgical residency was completed at New York University and Bellevue Hospital—institutions known for producing leaders in clinical excellence.
This formidable training laid the groundwork for a surgeon who would later specialize in complex nerve surgeries that very few in the world perform with similar finesse.
Clinical Specializations: Mastery Across Disciplines
Dr. Elkwood’s clinical repertoire is both diverse and highly specialized. He performs a wide range of surgeries aimed at restoring function and dignity to patients facing the most challenging conditions:
- Brachial Plexus Surgery: One of his signature specialties, where he offers life-changing outcomes for patients with severe nerve injuries of the upper limb.
- Nerve Reconstruction Surgery: Often considered a last hope for patients with nerve damage, Dr. Elkwood’s precision in microsurgery restores both mobility and sensation.
- Limb Paralysis Treatment: Utilizing advanced nerve grafting and tendon transfers, he helps patients regain the ability to move arms or legs that were previously immobile.
- FLAP Surgery: Reconstructive surgeries using tissue grafts are performed for both functional and aesthetic restoration, especially in post-trauma and post-oncology patients.
- Pilonidal Cyst and Wound Debridement Procedures: Demonstrating his versatility in surgical care, Dr. Elkwood also manages chronic wounds and recurring cysts with effective, minimally invasive approaches.
- Rare Syndromes: He is among the very few surgeons who treat complex syndromes like piriformis syndrome and pudendal neuralgia, both of which require highly specialized anatomical knowledge and surgical dexterity.
Recognitions, Leadership, and Academic Influence
Dr. Elkwood is not only a practicing surgeon but also a leader, educator, and recognized authority in his field. His credentials speak volumes:
- Board Certifications: General Surgery (American Board of Surgery) and Plastic Surgery (American Board of Plastic Surgery)
- Academic Roles: He holds multiple faculty positions, including associate professorships at Drexel University, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
- Founder and Director: He founded the Center for Treatment of Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery, a multidisciplinary hub for complex nerve reconstruction.
- Medical Publications: He is the editor of Rehabilitative Surgery: A Comprehensive Text for an Emerging Field, a key textbook for future surgeons. In addition, he serves as a journal reviewer and contributes to peer-reviewed medical research.
These academic and institutional roles amplify his reach—not just as a practitioner, but as an educator and innovator.
A Surgeon with a Global Media Presence
Dr. Elkwood’s work has gained international attention, and rightfully so. He has been featured in mainstream media outlets such as:
- 20/20
- CNN
- Fox News
- Good Morning America
- The Discovery Channel
- The Learning Channel
- The Oprah Winfrey Show
These appearances highlight his contribution to medical science and his ability to explain complex health issues in accessible terms—bringing hope to viewers and visibility to under-discussed conditions like nerve paralysis and reconstructive options.
Awards and Accolades: A Testament to Trust and Excellence
A career built on excellence naturally draws recognition. Dr. Elkwood has been honored as:
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor for Cancer
- Consistently listed among America’s Best Surgeons
- Recipient of the yearly New Jersey Top Doctor award
- Named in The Consumer Guide to Top Doctors
These accolades are not just honorary—they are endorsements from peers, patients, and industry leaders who have witnessed the life-transforming outcomes he consistently delivers.
What Sets Dr. Andrew Elkwood Apart?
In a competitive and technically demanding field, several attributes distinguish Dr. Elkwood:
- Pioneering Techniques: Especially in nerve surgery, where few specialists operate at his level.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: His leadership role at the Center for Paralysis allows him to work in tandem with neurologists, physiatrists, and physical therapists.
- Patient-Centered Philosophy: Known for his compassionate approach, he listens deeply to each patient’s story and designs a tailored plan based on need and outcome.
- Innovation through Education: His roles in medical education and publishing keep him on the cutting edge of surgical science.
- Accessibility to Complex Cases: Many surgeons refer their most difficult cases to Dr. Elkwood—those that others have deemed untreatable.
This Review of Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D. affirms that he is not only a surgeon of rare technical skill but also a true innovator and thought leader in the field of reconstructive and nerve surgery. Whether treating brachial plexus injuries, restoring movement to paralyzed limbs, or advancing surgical education, Dr. Elkwood’s impact is both measurable and monumental.
For patients seeking complex nerve reconstruction or reconstructive surgery, and for professionals looking to collaborate with one of the best in the field, Dr. Elkwood remains a gold standard in modern surgical care.
Learn more about Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D.’s expertise, surgical specialties, and patient care philosophy on his official profile at Better by MTA. View Profile »
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