Biography
Dr. Fernandez has created and innovated some of the advanced surgeries currently popularized in the treatment of the hand, wrist, and elbow. His original research has led to techniques minimizing surgical trauma while maximizing outcomes. As an inventor, he holds patents in some of the very implants developed for these minimally invasive surgeries.
As director of microsurgery for Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, he has performed hundreds of successful microsurgical procedures. These have included replantation of amputated arms, hands, and digits, as well as complex reconstructions for deformity and wounds.
Born in the Midwest, his family originates from Spain. He completed an advanced accelerated program from Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine, graduatingmagna cum laude, and was Salutatorian of his medical school class. He completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and was bestowed the honor of editor of the Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Journal. Dr. Fernandez then went on to the acclaimed Indiana Hand Center for his fellowship in hand and microsurgery.
He is a board certified member of the ABOS and holds the highest distinction in hand surgery with a certificate of added qualification in hand and microsurgery. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the American Association for Hand Surgery as well as the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Currently Dr. Fernandez serves as one of the team physicians for the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Steel. Academically, he has published articles and chapters in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks used as contemporary references. He serves on teaching faculty at national and international courses and presents his expertise to audiences of his peers. He is active in the teaching of residents and fellows, and is the proud recipient of the "Golden Apple Teaching Award."
In addition to his medical and academic contributions, Dr. Fernandez has diverse interests including the restoration of vintage trucks and cars, pistol target shooting, scuba diving, climbing, and running. He also has volunteered his time serving medical missions in Haiti and Africa.
Practice Emphasis
Hand Surgery
Wrist Surgery
Elbow Surgery
Microsurgery
Special Procedures
Hand surgery
Microsurgery
Research Interests
Hand mechanics
Wrist mechanics
Elbow tendon repair
Second Language
Spanish
Disclosures
Clinical Support Staff
- Joanna DeJesús-Melara (SEC)
- Gabriela Fuentes (SEC)
- Melissa Kulikauskas, PA
- Lauren Reineke, PA
Education / Certifications
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Medical School
Northeastern College of Medicine
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Internship
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA - General Surgery
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Residency
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA - Orthopaedic Surgery
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Fellowship
Indiana Hand Center, Indianapolis, IN - Hand and Microvascular Surgery
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Certification
Orthopaedic Surgery
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Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) is committed to better understanding what patients think of our care, to help us continually improve the quality of our care.
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