Get to know Dr. Andrew Greenberg and learn what drives his personal approach to caring for his patients. Dr. Greenberg is a board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon who specializes in treating upper extremity conditions and injuries.
How would you describe you own practice philosophy?
It is hard to pinpoint one specific philosophy on which my practice is based but it primarily evolves from the understanding that each one of my patients is an individual. I try and get to know my patients to understand what’s important to them, what’s going on in their lives, and I ask these questions at the same time while taking a medical history of the problem for which they’ve come to see me. I find that understanding where my patients are coming from and who they are will often help inform my diagnosis and guide the treatment plan. I am personally invested in the success of every one of my patients and I make sure they know that. I feel that patients appreciate knowing that we are all part of the same team.
What made you choose to become a hand and wrist/upper extremity specialist?
I chose to specialize in the upper extremity because I like the way the various treatments of hand, wrist and shoulder incorporate virtually all facets of orthopaedics. I have loved orthopaedic surgery from my first exposure to it. As I progressed through my residency, I gained experience in each of the various subspecialties. Not only did I love hand and wrist surgery, I also found a great appreciation for sports medicine, joint replacement, and trauma, to name a few. Surgery of the upper extremity allows me to still do all those things. I can treat hand and wrist pathology, I can operate on upper extremity nerves, I can do upper extremity sports and arthroscopic surgery, upper extremity trauma, and shoulder replacement surgery. My practice as a result has evolved into potpourri of orthopaedic pathology, which is how I always wanted it.
What trends in your specialty area do you see emerging?
There is a notable trend towards increased arthroscopic management and minimally invasive surgeries. Many of the previously open surgeries are now regularly done with an arthroscope through a small incision. Similarly, soft tissue and fracture fixation options have become also smaller and stronger and are done through smaller incisions and using arthroscopic methods. Using these methods, patients are able to regain motion sooner after procedures and a return to normal function faster. Minimally invasive procedures decrease scarring as does early motion after surgery. The combination seems to be leading to faster recoveries and earlier return to preoperative work and activity.
How do you stay current in your field?
I was told by my fellowship director that the best way to stay current in your field is to teach. I am involved with the North Shore-LIJ orthopaedic residency, both lecturing and operating with the orthopaedic residents. I find that this encourages me to be up to date on the newest surgical techniques and research so that I can teach them the best I possibly can.
Outside work, what are your personal interests?
I enjoy golfing and spending time with my family. I help coach my children’s various sport teams and try to maximize and absorb every moment that I spend with them. My wife and I enjoy traveling, Broadway shows, and fine dining (when we’re not restricted by a pandemic).
