David Friedman, MD | Cleveland Clinic

David W. Friedman, MD heads the new Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Dr. Friedman will work collaboratively with the Departments of Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery.

Trained as a General Surgeon, and as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Friedman also holds a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand. As both a Hand Surgeon and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Friedman provides a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to patient care.

Dr. Friedman began his accomplished career teaching at New York University Medical Center in New York as an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery within the Division of Plastic Surgery. He also worked for nine years as the Director of Hand Surgery at Bellevue Hospital Center, the flagship hospital of the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation.

The Cleveland Clinic's Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery provides a multidisciplinary approach for the complete and integrated care of individuals with injuries and/or disorders of the hand, wrist, and upper arm. Our goal is to help people return to pain free, functional lives.

Our program is the region's premier multi-specialty center for hand and upper extremity surgery. Working in close collaboration with the Departments of Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Neurology, Rheumatology, Radiology, and Physical and Occupational Therapy, we provide evaluation, treatment and rehabilitative care for most injuries and disorders of the hand and upper extremity.

Dr. Friedman's expertise in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery is a valued addition to our Cleveland Clinic team. His presence will add significantly to the diversification of top quality care that the Cleveland Clinic strives to provide. Dr. Friedman can easily be reached at 954.659.5430.

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2008

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - New York University Medical Center
Hand Surgery
New York, NY USA
1997

Residency - New York University Medical Center
Plastic Surgery
New York, NY USA
1996

Residency - University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School
General Surgery
Newark, NJ USA
1994

Medical Education - University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Dallas, TX USA
1988

Undergraduate - University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX USA
1984

Additional Training

General Surgery Research Fellow, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ

Professional Highlights

Fellowship Director, Hand Surgery, New York University Medical Center
Director, Multidisciplinary Hand and Upper Extremity Conference, NYU Medical Center
Director, Hand and Uppeer Extremity Service, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, NY

Certifications

Plastic Surgery - Surgery of the Hand
Plastic Surgery

Specialty Interests

Fractures of the hand, hand and arm reconstruction, hand and upper extremity surgery, hand and wrist arthritis, hand related sports injuries, microsurgery of the hand and arm, nerve compressions of the hand, arm, and upper extremity, repetitive stress disorders of the hand and arm, wrist and distal radius

Awards & Honors

Honorary Police Surgeon, New York City Police Department
America's Top Doc, Castle and Connolley
Susan B. Deak Excellence in Surgical Research Award
First Prize, Clinical Paper, N. Y. Regional Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Memberships

American Society for Surgery of The Hand
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Association of Plastic Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
American Society of Peripheral Nerve

Research & Publications

See publications for David Friedman, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 5/23/2021, Dr. Friedman has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Consulting and/or Speaking. Dr. Friedman receives fees of $5,000 or more per year as a paid consultant, speaker or member of an advisory committee for the following companies:

Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

453 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall		Star Ratings 4.8 out of 5
Explains	4.8
Courtesy, Respect & Concern	4.8
Patient Rating of Doctor	4.8

66 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2021

Busy specialist, but very happy got to see Dr Friedman

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2021

Dr. Friedman listened and explained treatment in a clear manner. He was knowledgeable and easy to understand. Great facility with excellent doctors

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2021

Dr. Friedman explained all medical options in detail, which allowed me to make a decision.

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2021

Love Dr Friedman

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2021

This doctor Is always on time. Very straight forward advice on treatment.

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2021

Such a great doctor!

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2021

Liked Dr.Friedman, professional, answered questions. Knowledgeable.

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2021

Dr. & his nurse were excellent. My experience was excellent due to their professionalism and empathy.

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2021

Dr. Was professional and empathetic.

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2021

DR was very nice and knowledgeable.

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2021

Dr Friedman was professional and very thorough.

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2021

Original appointment was scheduled in Coral Springs on a day when Dr. Friedman was in surgery at Weston. Dr. Gilot's staff told me to go to Coral Springs after telling me Dr. Gilot didn't do wrist surgery. Not a good experience. Everything else with Dr. Friedman was fine.

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2021

Dr Friedman is always kind, compassionate and professional.

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2021

Dr Friedman and his staff were excellent, friendly, and professional.

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2021

Dr. Friedman is an excellent hand doctor but so far very difficult to get an appt in a timely manner. My first appt I waited a month. I understand he is in surgery alot and also the only hand doctor in cleveland clinic coral springs.

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2021

Dr Friedman is very professional

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2021

Doctor was a good guy, explained a lot of detail and was quick/professional.

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2021

Dr Friedman is an excellent doctor. He is professional, caring, respectful

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2021

Dr. Friedman is very good at what he does. He shows empathy, he listens and explains well.

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2021

Dr. Friedman is the best. He is very thorough in his assessment of the problem. Explains clearly and concisely the course of action. He genuinely cares. The reason that I've been coming to see him for years.

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2021

Cleveland clinic is outstanding and Dr. Friedman is very much top of the list of had specialist.

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2021

The doctor, PA, and nurse were very personable but efficient.

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2021

Great visit with Dr. Friedman!

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2021

Got my appt sooner I thought service was great my nurse was awesome n Dr was amazing.

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2021

I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Friedman. He couldn't have been more helpful.

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2021

Dr. Freidman is the best and I always get exemplary service

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2021

Dr Friedman was very nice.. He explained everything fully and very well.. He gave my finger an injection and was kind and very nice.

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2021

Dr friedman was kind, knowledgeable and patient.. I really like him.

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2021

Great service. Doctor was quick and answered all questions. Staff was polite and helpful.

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2021

Dr. Friedman is great.

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2021

The doctor was great as well as his nurse

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2021

Overall a very good experience. The staff was very helpful and the doctor was excellent.

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2021

The doctor explained the treatment options clearly.

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2021

Dr. Friedman was on target with my problem. I have been in so much pain and discomfort with my left dominant hand for over 4 months and on the first encounter, in just minutes I felt relieved. He was like a heaven sent! I will continue sending patients. I am a healthcare provider myself. Amazing experience!

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2021

Dr. Friedman is a really gifted and knowledgable medical professional. I'm very grateful for the help he has been able to provide to resolve orthopedic issues I've had. I had seen other medical professionals who provided the services that he did but they didn't work and when Dr. Friedman did the procedure it completely resolved my issue. Very grateful.

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2021

Very pleasant staff and Doctor was pleasant in nature. Unfortunately he talked fast, rushed through his assessment and dismissed my concern (because he wasn't). He did not show me the xray and explain what was happening in my fingers. He just kept saying arthritis. To me arthritis is inflammation - not protrusions from your fingers. Felt rushed because I know that my problems were minuscule compared to what he sees in a day.

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2021

my concern was the time needed to recover from pain , that was not addressed . I wanted a second opinion and Dr Friedman said I had to consult my doctors. I had two surgeries and think my first one may have not been necessary since my fracture showed non displaced bones ... having athrosis makes my recovery extremely slow and painful my second surgeon was excellent and I did not want to return to Dr Khouri who did not do the surgery and sent Dr Calva instead ... all that painful story was not really considered the day I attended Cleveland clinic

Reviewed on May 28, 2021

#7: I have already referred a friend to Dr. Friedman

Reviewed on May 18, 2021

Attention in time, Dr. David Friedman knew and solved my pain immediately, very professional nurses. as a patient I am very happy with the care

Reviewed on May 18, 2021

Dr Friedman was wonderful. He looked at my concerns and stated that this an outside of his realm and I should go see my primary care provider. He was very helpful!

Reviewed on May 18, 2021

Dr. Friedman, as well as his staff are very easy to get along with.

Reviewed on May 11, 2021

Dr Friedman, Katty and staff were professional, on time and cared about my health regardless of me having an insurance or not covering for my expenses

Reviewed on May 6, 2021

Dr. David Friedman was the best hand physician I've been to. He explained the procedure and prior to the cortisone shot he gave me novacane, which no other doctor had dome for me. The Office was well organized. Lynne Arlen

Reviewed on May 6, 2021

would use Dr. Friedman again if needed

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2021

Dr. Friedman was AMAZING!! I am now pain free in my wrist! I highly recommend him and will definitely return If I have any more pain issues!

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2021

I have seen Dr Friedman before. He is an excellent hand surgeon.

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2021

very very nice experience. nurse and doctor were outstanding!

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2021

The hand surgeon was very confident and approachable. He gave me a cortisone shot in my finger and it hurt much less than a previous doctor. I was very satisfied with the attention that he gave to my problem and explanation.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2021

Once i went to see Dr It was perfect. I give them 100....

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2021

dr freidman and his arnp were super nice, right to the point and gave a painless cortisone inj. a great experience!

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2021

Dr. Friedman had to correct another surgeons mess with my left hand. He has operated on both my hands. He is an excellent caring Dr.

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2021

very professional visit with Dr Friedman. He reassured me completely about my problem. He let me know if things deteriorated he'd be readily available to see me again.

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2021

Dr. Friedman is always kind and provides excellent medical care.

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2021

Have already referred two other people to Dr. Friedman.

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2021

Dr. Friedman and his staff were GREAT! They showed concern for my problem and offered effective treatment solutions as well as long term care concerns and recommendations. Dr. Friedman is an outstanding example of what a doctor should be! I will recommend him and return to him as needed.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2021

Dr. Friedman ordered tests and before I left the clinic my test and follow up visit were scheduled. Later that same day, I received a call and was told there was a cancellation for an earlier date and they rescheduled both test and FU appt for an earlier date. Very professional!!!

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2021

Dr. Friedman is great. Would recommend him!

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2021

Doctor and Nurse both attentive to any concerns you might have as a patient.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2021

I was in and out in a very short time. Dr. Friedman was excellent.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2021

great experience, Dr Friedman is wonderful

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2021

Doctor instilled confidence in patient.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2021

I had trouble connecting directly with Dr. Friedman's office. once connected, everything was easy.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2021

Dr. Friedman was excellent. He calmed my fears and was wonderful.

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2021

Dr Friedman is the BEST- so professional and smart. Very compassionate as well.

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2020

Dr Friedman was excellenf

Reviewed on Nov 17, 2020

excellent appointment with very knowledgeable physician.

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