Stephen Ernst, M.D.

Dr. Stephen Ernst joined the Spectrum Medical team in July 2023. After growing up in Charlottesville, he attended the University of Virginia. He graduated with honors with degrees in biology and neuroscience before continuing at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

He completed his orthopaedic residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and developed an interest in upper extremity surgery. He pursued that passion with a fellowship in adult shoulder and elbow reconstruction at the prestigious Cedar-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Institute in Los Angeles, where the Tommy John procedure was invented.

His fellowship specialized in the use of computer-based 3D implant planning and patient-specific surgery for shoulder replacements. He also received upper extremity sports medicine and fracture training while taking care of patients ranging from professional athletes and competitive bodybuilders to first responders and movie stunt performers.

Dr. Ernst specializes in surgical and non-operative management of all levels of shoulder and elbow issues. His most frequently performed surgeries include shoulder replacement, rotator cuff repairs, shoulder stabilization, minimally invasive elbow surgery, tendon repairs, nerve decompression and fracture care in the upper extremity. He looks forward to using his advanced orthopaedic training to widen the scope of orthopaedic services offered in southern Virginia.