Douglas A. Palma, M.D.

Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Dr Douglas A. Palma MD
Top Doctor 2025 Badge
Patient Ratings
4.9 of 5 stars from 360 reviews
 
Here's What Patients Say About Us
  • quotes
    Friendly & Knowledgeable

    Dr. Palma was friendly and knowledgeable. He took his time and explained my diagnosis and treatment plan. The whole office was friendly. Overall the atmosphere was excellent and the office was bright and clean.

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    Christina F.
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    Great Group!

    Dr. Palma and his staff did an amazing job handling my care. When I tore my biceps tendon I was a little lost. I wasn’t sure where to turn. DOS worked hard to get me in right away and I ended up having surgery in the same week. They have also provided excellent care for me throughout my recov...

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    Josh H.

Dr. Douglas Palma is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sports-related injuries. He earned a BA in Biology from the University of Delaware and his MD from Temple University, where he remained active in athletics. After completing a surgical internship and orthopedic residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center, he pursued a Sports Medicine fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute, gaining advanced training in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle. Since joining Orthopedic Specialists in 2003, he has treated athletes of all ages, serving as a team physician for University of Delaware Athletics, First State FC, and multiple local high schools. He has been recognized multiple times as a Top Doctor by Delaware Today.

Dr. Palma, At A Glance

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
  • Fellowship-trained in sports medicine
  • Delaware Today Top Doctor
  • Team physician for University of Delaware Athletics, First State FC & multiple local high schools

Specialties

My Locations
Middletown DOS office building
Middletown
Newark Metro
Newark Metro
North Wilmington
North Wilmington

Dr. Palma's Staff
Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Daniel Maistre PA-C
Daniel Maistre, PA-C
 
Dr. Palma's Approach to Care

Specialty Focus

Dr. Palma is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sports related injuries.  He specializes in:

  • Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle
  • Reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle
  • Sports Medicine Specialist
  • Fracture Care

Conditions Treated

  • Meniscal Tears
  • ACL Tears
  • Tendon Ruptures (Biceps, Quadriceps, Hamstring)
  • Shoulder Labral Tears
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Rotator Cuff Tears
  • Arthritic Shoulders
  • Fracture Care

Procedures Performed

    In-office procedures:

    • Visco/cortisone injections
    • PRP for knees and shoulders

    Scheduled procedures:

    • knee arthroscopy
    • shoulder arthroscopy
    • shoulder replacements
    • elbow arthroscopy
    • ACL reconstructions
Education

Dr. Douglas Palma began his education at the University of Delaware, where he competed for the Men's Varsity Swim Team. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.

Following college, he attended Temple University's School of Medicine. There he continued his interest in sports as a member of the Temple Med Rugby Football Club and received his Doctorate of Medicine in May 1996.

After completing medical school, Dr. Palma remained in Philadelphia and entered a surgical internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center. After completion, he entered the Orthopedic Residency program at the same institution. He completed his residency training in July 2002 receiving the Mary Ann E. Keenan, M.D. Resident Research Award and Herman Ostrum Memorial Award.

  • Fellowship: American Sports Medicine Institute
  • Residency: Albert Einstein Medical Center
  • Medical School: Temple University School of Medicine
  • Undergraduate: University of Delaware
Certifications

Board certifications:

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Personal Interests

Dr. Palma is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sports-related injuries. A former member of the Temple Medicine Rugby Football Team, he brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the demands placed on athletes at every level. He has a special interest in treating athletes of all ages and skill levels — from competitive athletes to active adults and weekend warriors — and is passionate about helping patients safely return to the activities they love.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Palma is a proud supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. His commitment to both his patients and the local community reflects his dedication to improving health, wellness, and quality of life both on and off the field.

Outside of work, Dr. Palma enjoys working out, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

Media Center

Related Media

  September 29th, 2025
2025 Delaware Top Doctors

Delaware Today Magazine recently released its annual Top Doctor list. The survey asked other Delaware physicians who they would most recommend to care for their patients, friends and family. The top vote-getters are listed in their annual Top Doctor magazine. Congratulations to our 2025 Delaware Top Doctors!

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  October 1st, 2024
2024 Delaware Top Doctors

Delaware Today Magazine recently released its annual Top Doctor list. The survey asked other Delaware physicians who they would most recommend to care for their patients, friends and family. The top vote-getters are listed in their annual Top Doctor magazine. Congratulations to our 2024 Delaware Top Doctors!

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  December 29th, 2023
2023 Delaware Top Doctors

Delaware Today Magazine recently released it’s “2023 Top Doctor” list. The survey asked other Delaware physicians who they would most recommend to care for their patients, friends and family. The top vote-getters are listed in their annual Top Doctor magazine issue each year. Congratulations to our 2023 Delaware Top Doctors!

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  October 11th, 2022
2022 Delaware Top Doctors

Delaware Today Magazine recently released it’s “2022 Top Doctor” list. The survey asked other Delaware physicians who they would most recommend to care for their patients, friends and family. The top vote-getters are listed in their annual Top Doctor magazine issue each year. Congratulations to our 2022 Delaware Top Doctors!

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