EAST PROVIDENCE, RI (September 30, 2025) —University Orthopedics, one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive orthopedic practices, proudly announces the addition of Dr. Matthew Akelman, a fellowship-trained hand-to-shoulder surgeon, to its team of nationally recognized specialists. Dr. Akelman also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
Dr. Akelman’s practice encompasses the entire upper extremity—from fingertip to shoulder—caring for patients with:
- Nerve compression conditions, such as carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes
- Muscle and tendon disorders, including rotator-cuff tears and trigger fingers
- Arthritis of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand
- Traumatic injuries and fractures
With advanced expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopy, joint replacement, carpal tunnel release, and fracture fixation, Dr. Akelman is dedicated to evidence-based management and shared decision-making, helping patients return safely and swiftly to the activities they value most.
A Rhode Island native, Dr. Akelman earned his undergraduate degree at Brown University and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Wake Forest University, where he was honored with the Frank E. Pollock Award for extraordinary clinical proficiency. He then pursued fellowship training in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery at Duke University, focusing on complex reconstruction, arthroscopy, and arthroplasty.
“It is a privilege to return to Rhode Island to care for the community that has given so much to me,” Dr. Akelman said. “My goal is to provide patients with the highest level of orthopedic care, while ensuring that every decision is made together with their values and goals in mind.”
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Akelman is an active clinician-scientist whose peer-reviewed research on upper extremity disorders has been published and presented at national meetings.
Outside of medicine, he is passionate about live music, sports, and exploring Rhode Island’s coastline with his family. Returning home allows Dr. Akelman to provide care to the community that inspired his career while staying close to family and the ocean he loves.
Dr. Akelman will be seeing patients at University Orthopedics locations in Cranston, Cumberland, and East Providence at Kettle Point. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Akelman, please visit UOI.com or call 401-799-5002.