Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship

Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship

columbia_orthopedics_shoulder_and_elbow_fellowship_program_overview

The Columbia Shoulder & Elbow Fellowship, founded in 1977 by Dr. Charles S. Neer II, is honored as the first and most prestigious program of its kind in the world.  Since then, we have been responsible for training over 100 fellows – both nationally and internationally.  Among our alumni are many of the leading figures in the shoulder and elbow community, including fellowship directors, chiefs of service, department chairs, healthcare executives, and ten past, current, and future presidents of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES).

2023 Fellowship Prospectus

Today, the Shoulder, Elbow, & Sports Medicine Division has developed into one of the finest training programs in the world.  Our fellows participate in all aspects of clinical care – including skill development in private office hours, with emphasis on physical exam proficiency, MRI interpretation, and optimal treatment plan recommendations. All aspects of shoulder and elbow surgery are performed by our surgeons – arthroscopy, sports medicine, trauma, and arthroplasty. In addition, our fellows stay on top of innovative and cutting edge procedures to broaden their scope of practice and enhance their competitive hiring potential. Furthermore, both basic and clinical research opportunities have been incorporated into the fellowship allowing our fellows opportunity to become academic experts.

Our fellows are sought after for academic, ‘privademic’, and private practice jobs depending on their personal desire. The Columbia legacy, coupled with state-of-the-art training from recognized leaders in the field, gives our fellows a distinct advantage in the ever-competitive field of shoulder/elbow and sports medicine.

We are committed to continuing the rich history of our program by innovating, evolving, and always searching to improve our care for patients with shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine disorders.


Mentorship is perhaps the most important aspect of fellowship, and the guidance provided at Columbia is unparalleled. The limited number of fellows combined with enthusiastic faculty creates a strong relationship that continues long after fellowship. CSES provides exposure to a variety of surgical cases and didactic teaching, improving both surgical skills and clinical problem-solving. The research infrastructure and staff enable fellows to initiate and execute meaningful research even in a short period of time. I continue to stay in close touch with Dr. Levine and Dr. Ahmad about challenging cases, career advice, and personal life. The family atmosphere at the Columbia fellowship alumni gatherings is what makes these events so enjoyable.

Ian Byram, MD
Fellow 2011-2012