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.

Very nice people,you guys work great !! Highly recommended!!!
First time meeting him it was a very nice experience. Very thorough with X-rays to make sure everything was the correct diagnosis and treatment. I highly recommend him.
Very nice
He was great
Always explains how it's healing and what therapy I can do.
Kind, welcoming, thorough great visit
He was awesome. Very nice to talk to explains everything he's going to do before he does it. Thank you Doc
Fantastic doctor!
Very impressed with him. You know that he really cares about your issue and is doing his best to remedy it.
Excellent care for my broken wrist. The Doctor answered all my questions and clearly explained the injury and the plan of care. I would definitely see him again for any hand injury.