Patient Feedback
About Dr. Wilkins
Dr. Wilkins is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. Though his focus is sports medicine, his practice serves anyone who lives an active lifestyle or has suffered an injury that commonly occurs in sports. Dr. Wilkins is one of only several surgeons in the area to perform arthroscopic hip surgery, and he is passionate about early intervention for orthopaedic injuries to avoid more drastic surgical treatments later in life. He describes his approach to care as meticulous, and focused on listening to and communicating with his patients in a way that makes you feel comfortable and involved.
Dr. Wilkins has three young children, and his wife is also a practicing physician. Most of his time outside of work is spent with his family, who are all very active in sports and activities, and they enjoy skiing together in the winter. He’s a WNY native, and has lived his whole life in the Buffalo community. He stays healthy by hitting the gym several times a week, which he’ll tell you is as good for his mental health as it is for his physical health.
What are some of the most exciting advances in orthopaedic surgery?
“For years, as far as hip injuries were concerned, we didn’t have a very good surgical answer for anything other than fractures and arthritis - everything else was just hip pain. Over the last twenty years, arthroscopic surgery has evolved and opened up the world to treating hip pain that we previously didn’t have an answer to, such as labral tears. We can offer significant pain relief to problems that we couldn’t treat before.”
What was your journey into orthopaedics?
“Becoming a physician was something that evolved over time. My undergraduate degree is in physical therapy, and I worked with a physical therapist for a few years before medical school. I’ve always had an interest in the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, which is what initially took me down the road into physical therapy. During my training as a physical therapist I had the opportunity to get into the operating room and observe some orthopaedic surgeries, and it was like the lights came on. I knew that that’s what I wanted to do.”
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Education
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Doctor of Medicine, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY
Training
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Accreditations & Professional Memberships
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Dr. Wilkins’ Team
Dr. Wilkins works with a team of medical professionals who practice in tandem to provide you the best care and treatment possible. During your appointment, you may be evaluated by a member of his expert team.
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Sara Dann, PA-C
Supports Dr. Ryan D. Wilkins
Sports Medicine
Foot & Ankle Care
Hip Care
Shoulder, Arm & Elbow Care
Knee & Leg Care
Where Dr. Wilkins Practices Medicine
- Excelsior Orthopaedics Amherst
- Excelsior Orthopaedics Niagara Falls
- Buffalo Surgery Center
- Kenmore Mercy Hospital