Edward L. Birdsong, MD, FAAOS

Edward L. Birdsong, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and hand surgeon, specializes in treating injuries and musculoskeletal conditions related to the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Specifically, he has expertise in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, as well as total shoulder replacement. Dr. Birdsong is a Fellow and Diplomat of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.


Dr. Birdsong attended both East Carolina University and Alderson-Broaddus College. He completed medical school at West Virginia University School of Medicine before finishing his orthopedic surgery residency at Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio. He served as chief resident. Dr. Birdsong went on to fulfill a Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Surgery fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.


Before joining Swift Institute, Dr. Birdsong practiced as a hand surgeon in Eastern North Carolina for 19 years before relocating to Pittsburgh, where he practiced full-time for 11 years while teaching orthopedic residents and Hand/Upper Extremity Fellows. Previous leadership experience includes serving as System Vice Chairman of the Orthopaedic Surgery Department in the Allegheny Health Network, Network Orthopedic Quality Officer, and Chief of Staff of the AHN Wexford Hospital. Dr. Birdsong has also served as the Medical Director of an Ambulatory Surgery Center.


Outside his practice, Dr. Birdsong stays active by bicycling, hiking, and skiing. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Polly, and their two dogs, Whiskey and Kobi.