CHICAGO, IL — Kushal Patel, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery at Endeavor Health, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor. This marks the second consecutive year Dr. Patel has received the prestigious designation, which is awarded to only 7 percent of licensed physicians nationwide based on their specialty and region.
Dr. Patel is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and holds a subspecialty certificate in surgery of the hand. His practice focuses on a wide range of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and elbow, including traumatic injuries, degenerative conditions, and congenital anomalies. He performs several key surgical procedures such as hand and wrist fracture repair, trigger finger injection and release, tendon and nerve repair, and joint reconstruction of the hand and wrist.
“Being recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor is a profound honor because it reflects the trust of my peers within the medical community,” said Dr. Patel. “To me, this recognition isn't just about individual achievement; it's a testament to the high standard of specialized care we provide at Endeavor Health. It reinforces my commitment to bringing the latest advancements in hand and upper extremity surgery to our patients in our community, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes.”
Dr. Patel earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Illinois Hospital, where he served as Academic Chief Resident. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Patel has contributed extensively to orthopaedic research and global health. He served as the Morgan & Madison McClellan Research Fellow at the Institute for Global Orthopaedics & Traumatology (IGOT) at the University of California, San Francisco, and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on topics ranging from anesthesia effectiveness in hand injections to global orthopaedic research gaps. His leadership roles include serving as Chair of the AAOS Resident Assembly Education Committee.
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor selection process is peer-driven: physicians nominate colleagues, and a physician-led research team evaluates nominees based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected.
This recognition underscores Dr. Patel's dedication to providing high-quality, specialized care and highlights the importance of hand and upper extremity surgery in improving patient function and quality of life.
