from dr. Freedman

Our hands help to define us as human beings. They are one of the most graceful, beautiful, and functional tools in nature. The hand has many varied and amazing functions. Most of us take normal hand function for granted, and only realize after an injury or impairment what we are missing. The mission of West LA Hand Center is the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of problems of the hand and upper extremity.

Many ailments of the hand can be resolved without the use of surgery. However, when surgery is needed, the results are usually quite successful, almost always allowing patients to return to their previous level of function. Whether you are a concert pianist, a weekend warrior, or a carpenter, you may find yourself in need of a hand surgeon. My particular approach involves a thorough one-on-one evaluation, treatment recommendations, follow-up, and appropriate referrals for imaging studies and hand therapy as needed. If you have any problems with your hands, I welcome you to contact me to schedule an appointment.

Clinician History

Douglas M. Freedman, M.D., a board-certified (Orthopaedic) Hand Surgeon, entered private practice in 2003 after leaving a busy practice at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and then attended Yale University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at UCLA. He then completed a hand and upper extremity fellowship at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. His fellowship included training at Columbia University in New York City as well as the Institute Kaplan in Barcelona, Spain.

Dr. Freedman is the author of several peer-reviewed articles in hand surgery. His extensive training and experience cover a wide array of problems of the hand and wrist which include trauma, neurologic conditions, arthritis, tendinitis, and tumors.

West LA Hand Center and Dr. Freedman are associated with St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, which has been named one of the top 100 orthopedic hospitals in the United States by HCIA-Sachs and the Human Motion Institute.

Download Dr. Freedman’s CV.