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
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
- Visco/cortisone injections
- PRP for knees and shoulders
- knee arthroscopy
- shoulder arthroscopy
- shoulder replacements
- elbow arthroscopy
- ACL reconstructions
In-office procedures:
Scheduled procedures:
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
Board certifications:
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
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.
