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 a very knowledgeable and compassionate doctor who provides great explanations for your condition and available intervention options. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr. Akelman!
Dr Matthew is very professional and clear. Thank you very much, see you in six weeks.
Professional, friendly. Compassionate, knowledgeable. Explained everything .
Dr. Ankelman was extremely helpful and explained everything.
He was clear, thoughtful, confidence inspiring and warm. I would recommend him in a moment.
Straight to the point and helpful
Great bedside manner very attentive a pleasure to have as a doctor thank you
Very personable and empathetic about my symptoms. He offered helpful advice . He is a keeper.
Professional, kind, helpful. I would recommend this practice and Dr. Akelman to everyone I know.
Very nice Very concerned about what I was going through