Matthew Akelman, M.D., is a fellowship-trained hand-to-shoulder surgeon whose practice encompasses the entire upper extremity—from fingertip to shoulder. 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.
Matthew Akelman, M.D., is a fellowship-trained hand-to-shoulder surgeon whose practice encompasses the entire upper extremity—from fingertip to shoulder. 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.
Matthew Akelman, M.D., is a fellowship-trained hand-to-shoulder surgeon whose practice encompasses the entire upper extremity—from fingertip to shoulder.
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.
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 is very personable and took the time to answer any questions I had. I would recommend him to family and friends. Great experience and staff!
Very professional
Fantastic experience with doctor. Very knowledgeable and helpful.
Very professional and nice. Made me feel comfortable, and helped me feel more at ease with the issues I was having with my wrist.
Dr. Akelman provided me with excellent care before, during, and after my A1 pulley release surgery. He was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything and answer my questions. I felt comfortable and confident in his care throughout the entire process. I’m very happy with my experience and would definitely recommend Dr. Akelman to anyone needing hand surgery. Thank you, Dr. Akelman, for taking such great care of me!
EXCELLENT
Great Doctor and great bedside manner.
He was gtreat and he explain every very well on what he was going to do
Really liked Dr Akelman. Look forward working with him on my repairs. Very happy.
Very kind and a good listener