Founder, Robert P. Nirschl, M.D., M.S.

Dear Dr. Nirschl,

I am writing a long overdue thank you note.

In 1968, when I was 4 years old and playing in our home in Washington, D.C., I accidentally put my right hand through a glass door and suffered a severe laceration to the wrist and ulnae nerve. My mother brought me to Georgetown Hospital where you performed emergency surgery on my wrist.

I am happy to report that I have done very well since. Although the injury caused some atrophy and weakness of my 4th and 5′ fingers, it did not limit essential function. In fact, even though the injury was to my dominant hand, I studied and worked as a draftsman in high school and maintain excellent hand coordination.

Perhaps more important, after the experience I developed a lasting interest in medicine. I was sure from that age onward that I would become a doctor. I went to MIT undergraduate and attended the University of Virginia School of Medicine. I did my residency in family medicine in Madison, Wisconsin, and then completed a sports medicine fellowship in Chicago, where I currently practice and teach primary care and sports medicine.
Our accidental meeting 50 years ago had a positive and transformational influence on my life and career. Thank you for being there when I needed you. Wishing you a happy holiday season.

Brian M. Ralston, MD

I have been seeing Dr. Nirschl since I was 12 years old and he is the only doctor I trust to give me an on-the-spot professional opinion. With his wealth of knowledge it gives me a real peace of mind that he is there to make sure I am healthy and can go out and compete at the highest level. I would personally recommend Dr. Nirschl and the rest of the staff at Nirschl Orthopaedic and Virginia Sportsmedicine to anyone.

Brandon Snyder
1st round draft pick Baltimore Orioles

I’ve been an athlete all my life. Competitive Tennis, Masters Crew team, working out and golf. Since 1999 I’ve had 4 knee repair surgeries, two shoulder surgeries, and a tendonitis repair with the new Tenex procedure. I’m happy to say that I’ve returned to some tennis, working out, yoga, and some golf. Dr. Nirschl and his physical therapists are top notch with a goal of helping you return to a life style of activity at whatever level is appropriate.

Lynn W

I was referred to Dr. Nirschl by my rheumatologist after months of physical therapy and a series of cortisone shots failed to relieve pain in my rotator cuff. He had an x-ray taken (in his office), examined my shoulder, asked questions and patiently listened to what I had to say. He then administered another type of injection in a different part of my shoulder than the cortisone shots. Instantly, I was able to easily raise the arm above my head and bend it behind my back without pain — something that had not been possible for nearly 6 months. As far as I’m concerned, Dr. Nirschl is truly a miracle worker. He’s also pleasant, thoughtful and thoroughly professional, with a “bedside manner” that would be the envy of Marcus Welby.

William C.

I thought Dr. N was great. My 15 year old has a hip issue we are dealing with. She is a freshman sprinter; Dr. Nirschl took the time to educate her about how whole-body strength is key to her performance. He explained to her the difference between pain before during and after her running. He gave her a thorough exam, was engaging and funny, not rushed. I liked that he was cautious in his diagnosis of her problem, starting her on PT first rather than going straight to a lot of medical testing, poking, and probing that might make her fearful of future testing. We are very happy with Dr. Nirschl.

Pamela P.

Dr. Nirschl,
I have often thought of what you did for me and how grateful I am to have found your practice. You truly turned my dire situation around when no one else could. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. You are definitely making a difference.

Stephanie C.