Orthopedic Surgeons: Meet Our Board-Certified Providers
Nimish Kadakia, MD
Nimish Kadakia, MD
Nimish Kadakia, MD
Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery are key areas of expertise for Dr. Kadakia, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine. He obtained his BS in kinesiology and psychology from UCLA and his MD at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he was honored
Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery are key areas of expertise for Dr. Kadakia, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine. He obtained his BS in kinesiology and psychology from UCLA and his MD at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he was honored with election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Dr. Kadakia completed his orthopedic residency at Baylor College of Medicine and a sports medicine fellowship at the Minneapolis Sports Medicine Center, where he also gained valuable experience serving as an associate team physician for the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Wild. Since 2001, he has practiced in Orange County and currently holds the position of Chief of Orthopedics at Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills. His practice emphasizes knee and shoulder arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, and fracture care, alongside an expanding focus on minimally invasive treatments, including PRP therapy, as well as hand and upper extremity surgery and spine surgery.
Amar A. Patel, MD
Nimish Kadakia, MD
Nimish Kadakia, MD
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery is a key focus for Dr. Patel, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery. He completed his education at Pennsylvania State University through an accelerated pre-medical/medical program and earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University, where he was ho
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery is a key focus for Dr. Patel, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery. He completed his education at Pennsylvania State University through an accelerated pre-medical/medical program and earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University, where he was honored with membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. His orthopaedic surgery residency was at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, followed by advanced fellowship training at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, focusing on microsurgery, peripheral nerve reconstruction, and complex fractures. In addition to treating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, arthritis, fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, and sports injuries of the upper extremity, he is also well-versed in orthopedic sports medicine. Dr. Patel actively contributes to the field through his roles on the OrthoWest Board of Directors and as chair of the Board of Saddleback Surgery Centers, where he collaborates with specialists in areas like spine surgery.
Emily Clarke, MD
Nimish Kadakia, MD
Gautam Malhotra, MD
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. Dr. Clarke is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery, with a strong background in orthopedic sports medicine. Growing up in Laguna Niguel, she completed her BS in physiological science at UCLA and her MD at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, where she was ele
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. Dr. Clarke is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery, with a strong background in orthopedic sports medicine. Growing up in Laguna Niguel, she completed her BS in physiological science at UCLA and her MD at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She then finished her orthopaedic surgery residency at UC Irvine as administrative chief resident, followed by a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. Her practice encompasses care from the shoulder to the fingertips for both children and adults, performing services such as arthroscopy, microsurgery, nerve and tendon reconstruction, small joint replacement, and wide-awake hand surgery. Dr. Clarke has a particular interest in upper extremity fracture care and possesses extensive experience with shoulder arthroplasty, supplementing her practice with insights relevant to spine surgery.
Gautam Malhotra, MD
Gautam Malhotra, MD
Gautam Malhotra, MD
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. Dr. Malhotra is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery as well as orthopedic sports medicine. He completed his undergraduate education at UCLA and earned his medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He remained at the University of Chicago for
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. Dr. Malhotra is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery as well as orthopedic sports medicine. He completed his undergraduate education at UCLA and earned his medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He remained at the University of Chicago for his orthopedic surgery residency, followed by a fellowship in hand, upper extremity, and microsurgery. Afterward, he practiced and taught hand surgery at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he focused on the reconstruction of complex hand injuries and was recognized as Resident Educator of the Year by his senior residents. Now back in California, he emphasizes a patient-centered approach that empowers patients through education and informed decision-making while also being knowledgeable in spine surgery.
Ryan Fan, MD
Gautam Malhotra, MD
Scott Graham, MD
Hip & Knee Replacement, Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopic Surgery are among the specialties offered by Dr. Fan, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and Southern California native from the San Gabriel Valley. After graduating with high honors from Meharry Medical College, he completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Naval Medica
Hip & Knee Replacement, Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopic Surgery are among the specialties offered by Dr. Fan, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and Southern California native from the San Gabriel Valley. After graduating with high honors from Meharry Medical College, he completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. Dr. Fan proudly served over 15 years in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and was deployed with the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his honorable discharge in 2014, he joined the medical staff at various hospitals across Orange County and Los Angeles, where he has also practiced in orthopedic sports medicine. Additionally, he has experience in hand and upper extremity surgery and spine surgery, and has served as a team physician for Whittier College athletics as well as for several local high school sports programs.
Scott Graham, MD
Gautam Malhotra, MD
Scott Graham, MD
Sports Medicine, Shoulder & Knee Surgery. Dr. Graham is a fellowship-trained shoulder and knee specialist focused on orthopedic sports medicine, including arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, and cartilage restoration, as well as hand and upper extremity surgery. A Santa Barbara native and multi-sport varsity athlete, he earned his BS an
Sports Medicine, Shoulder & Knee Surgery. Dr. Graham is a fellowship-trained shoulder and knee specialist focused on orthopedic sports medicine, including arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, and cartilage restoration, as well as hand and upper extremity surgery. A Santa Barbara native and multi-sport varsity athlete, he earned his BS and MD at USC and completed his orthopedic residency at UC Irvine Medical Center. During residency, he worked at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic as an assistant team physician for the Los Angeles Lakers and Anaheim Angels. He then pursued a sports medicine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, where he served as team physician for the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Rockers. Dr. Graham has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented his work nationally and internationally. He has long been the team physician for Santa Margarita Catholic High School and cares for athletes at high schools and colleges across Orange County, ensuring both their orthopedic needs and overall health are addressed, including any necessary referrals to specialists in spine surgery.
Jeffrey Wong, MD
Arash Aminian, MD
Jeffrey Wong, MD
Sports Medicine, Shoulder Surgery, and Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. Dr. Wong is a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon with subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, he earned his bachelor's de
Sports Medicine, Shoulder Surgery, and Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. Dr. Wong is a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon with subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, he earned his bachelor's degree in molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley and his medical degree at UC Irvine, graduating as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at UCLA, serving as chief resident in his final year, followed by a fellowship in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. During his fellowship, he provided care for athletes at every level, serving as a team physician for the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and New England Revolution. His research, which also touches upon spine surgery, has been presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals and reference books.
Ajay Gurbani, MD
Arash Aminian, MD
Jeffrey Wong, MD
Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Gurbani is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery and an Orange County native. He completed his undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University and both his medical school and orthopaedic surgery residency at UCLA. Dr. Gurbani further honed his skills
Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Gurbani is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery and an Orange County native. He completed his undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University and both his medical school and orthopaedic surgery residency at UCLA. Dr. Gurbani further honed his skills in an orthopaedic foot and ankle fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, before returning to Southern California. Prior to joining SCOS, he practiced for several years as faculty at UCLA, where he also gained experience in hand and upper extremity surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters, serves as a peer reviewer for Foot and Ankle International, and remains an active member of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. His diverse expertise further extends into spine surgery, reflecting his comprehensive knowledge in orthopaedic practices.
Arash Aminian, MD
Arash Aminian, MD
Arash Aminian, MD
Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Aminian is a fellowship-trained specialist in the care and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, as well as having expertise in hand and upper extremity surgery. Originally from Chicago, he earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and his medical degree at the Univ
Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Aminian is a fellowship-trained specialist in the care and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, as well as having expertise in hand and upper extremity surgery. Originally from Chicago, he earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and his medical degree at the University of Rochester. He completed his internship and orthopaedic residency at Northwestern University, where he served as chief resident in his senior year, followed by a fellowship in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle. Additionally, he has a strong interest in orthopedic sports medicine. Dr. Aminian has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, presented his work nationally and internationally, and serves as a peer reviewer for the American Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. He remains academically active as Assistant Chief of the Foot and Ankle Service at Harbor-UCLA, where he trains orthopaedic surgery residents, with a comprehensive understanding that intersects with fields like spine surgery.
Bryce Johnson, MD
Christopher Veneziano, MD
Arash Aminian, MD
Spine Surgery. Dr. Johnson is a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with over 23 years of experience treating conditions like sciatica, radiculopathy, and neck and back pain that have not responded to conservative care. Raised in Minneapolis, he graduated magna cum laude from UC San Diego during his undergraduate studies and
Spine Surgery. Dr. Johnson is a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with over 23 years of experience treating conditions like sciatica, radiculopathy, and neck and back pain that have not responded to conservative care. Raised in Minneapolis, he graduated magna cum laude from UC San Diego during his undergraduate studies and earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, graduating at the top of his class as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Dr. Johnson completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern University, where he was elected Chief Administrative Resident, and then pursued a spine fellowship at UC San Diego under Dr. Steven R. Garfin, receiving the DePuy Spine Fellowship Award. He specializes in minimally invasive and outpatient spine surgery, addressing a wide range of issues from herniated discs and spinal stenosis to degenerative disc disease and complex deformity across the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. His leadership roles include serving as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and Chief of Surgery at Saddleback Hospital, where he also helped develop the outpatient spine surgery program at The Surgical Center at Saddleback. In addition to spine surgery, Dr. Johnson has a keen interest in hand and upper extremity surgery and orthopedic sports medicine, ensuring comprehensive care for his patients.
Ari Youderian, MD
Christopher Veneziano, MD
Christopher Veneziano, MD
Shoulder & Elbow Surgery. Dr. Youderian is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in fractures, arthritis, dislocations, and complex injuries of the shoulder, upper arm, and elbow. Originally from New Jersey, he completed his undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University and graduated with honors fr
Shoulder & Elbow Surgery. Dr. Youderian is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in fractures, arthritis, dislocations, and complex injuries of the shoulder, upper arm, and elbow. Originally from New Jersey, he completed his undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University and graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, where he also completed his orthopedic residency. He then finished a fellowship in orthopedic shoulder and elbow surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and practiced for several years at the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute in Chicago before joining SCOS. His expertise includes reverse and total shoulder replacement, rotator cuff repair, fracture care, and complex reconstruction of the shoulder and elbow, utilizing minimally invasive, arthroscopic, and open techniques. As one of only a few fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons in the area, he also has knowledge of hand and upper extremity surgery, and he is on staff at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, Saddleback Memorial Hospital, and Mission Hospital. Additionally, he collaborates with peers in orthopedic sports medicine and stays informed about advances in spine surgery to ensure comprehensive care for his patients.
Christopher Veneziano, MD
Christopher Veneziano, MD
Christopher Veneziano, MD
Sports Medicine, Shoulder & Knee Surgery. Dr. Veneziano is double board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, and is fellowship trained in minimally invasive shoulder and knee surgery, including ACL and meniscus repair, rotator cuff and labrum tears, ligament reconstruction, and cartilage restoration. He is also skilled in
Sports Medicine, Shoulder & Knee Surgery. Dr. Veneziano is double board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, and is fellowship trained in minimally invasive shoulder and knee surgery, including ACL and meniscus repair, rotator cuff and labrum tears, ligament reconstruction, and cartilage restoration. He is also skilled in hand and upper extremity surgery. Originally from the East Coast, he earned his undergraduate degree at Providence College and his medical degree at New York Medical College, then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Westchester Medical Center and St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center in Manhattan, with rotations through the Hospital for Special Surgery and NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. He went on to a sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital and the Nirschl Orthopedic Center, and served as an assistant team physician for the New York Rangers during residency. For many years, he has been Chief of Orthopedics at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center and is a current board member for the MemorialCare Surgical Center. Since arriving in Orange County in 2006, he has volunteered on the sidelines for many local schools and is currently the team physician for Mission Viejo High School and Soka University, while also staying informed about advancements in spine surgery.