Peter F. Townsend, M.D., FACS



Biography

Dr. Peter F. Townsend has practiced in Wilmington, Delaware, since 1990. Serving the community where he was born and raised, Dr. Townsend is a hand surgeon and founding partner of Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists.

Dr. Townsend graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he also completed his orthopaedic residency, followed by a fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at both the Roosevelt–St Luke’s Hospital and Cornell’s Hospital for Special Surgery. Elected to the American College of Surgeons in 1994, he has also served on the editorial board of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, had his work published in many peer-reviewed journals, and has presented his work on international stages. Dr. Townsend was elected President of the Delaware Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 2014, and has been Delaware’s representative to the National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference since 2013. Dr. Townsend in now Delaware's elected representative to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Board of Councilors.

Having been the team physician for several area high schools, Dr. Townsend is an active participant in charitable and other community events. He has frequently been named a “Top Doc” in Delaware Today magazine and Philadelphia magazine. Dr. Townsend enjoys being outdoors while mountain biking, fishing, scuba diving, and doing occasional triathlons.

Specialties

  • Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery (Elbow, Forearm and Hand)
  • Upper Extremity Sports Medicine
  • Peripheral Nerve Surgery
  • Arthroscopic/Endoscopic Surgery
  • Microvascular Surgery
  • Ultrasound

Honors

  • Top Doctor by Delaware Today: 1998, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
  • Top Doctor by Philadelphia Magazine: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Education

Medical School
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Residency
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Fellowship

  • CV Starr Hand Center, Roosevelt Hospital, and Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City
  • New York Mets baseball team
  • New York Philharmonic Orchestra
  • New York City Ballet

Certifications

  • Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS)
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand (CAQ Hand)

Professional Societies

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • American College of Sports Medicine
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Medical Association
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  • Delaware Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, President
  • Medical Society of Delaware
  • National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference

Hospital Affiliations

  • Christiana Care Hospital System
  • St. Francis Hospital

Dr. Townsend's Staff


Related Media


Patient Testimonials

Brilliant & Personable

Dr Townsend is both brilliant and personable. A rare combination. His staff is highly trained and also very personable. Together they make a great team. Based upon my experience, I highly recommend them.

- Tom M.

Compassionate & Trustworthy

Dr Townsend was professional and has excellent bed side manners. I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. From the first visit to post surgery he and the staff were compassionate and trustworthy. I highly recommend Dr Townsend!! May God bless you and the surgery center.

- Dana W.

#1 In My Book

Dr. Townsend is an excellent surgeon. He and his staff are very caring, patient and make you feel at ease. He takes time to explain the procedure and your recovery process. I have had several surgeries over the years and my experience with Delaware Orthopedic Specialists from the front desk, nurses and Surgery Center was excellent. They are #1 in my book. Thank you Dr. Townsend for taking good care of me.

- Betty D.