Nader Paksima, DO, MPH

I have always been interested in fixing things. My uncle was an orthopedic surgeon and my aunt was a therapist—I often visited their office and watched them work together. I saw them restore function and help people get back to their lives. Needless to say, it had a powerful influence on me.

The same thing happened in medical school—the hand surgeons I met became my mentors. Seeing them help patients return to their daily activities inspired me to specialize in orthopedic surgery.

Here at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, the specialists at the Hand Center treat all types of patients, from children with congenital hand deformities and young athletes with traumatic injuries to workers hurt during industrial accidents, older adults with arthritis, and people who have nerve injuries. Our team is comprised of surgeons, physician assistants, hand therapists, and other specialists.

The multifaceted team, along with our advanced, onsite radiology and imaging services, including fluoroscopy, make for a fantastic patient experience. Because we are an academic medical center, we have the responsibility of teaching in addition to patient care. As a result, we’re kept on our toes and are always up-to-date on the latest treatment and research.

The most important part of treatment, for me, is patient education. It’s vital that my patients understand the nature of their conditions, so I take the time to draw illustrations and avoid clinical terminology. When people know how to take care of themselves, they can ensure that the treatment fits their life and work. I’ve found that people are more empowered to help themselves get better when they understand the mechanics, history, and physiology of their injuries.

I also research nerve injuries and wrist fractures to improve treatment nationwide. I am a member of the board of examiners for the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery and the former president of the hand section of the American Osteopathic Association. I have authored numerous papers and have been an invited speaker at national and international meetings.