Our History
NY Orthopedics is built upon a legacy of excellence and a rich history in the field of orthopedic medicine. More than 40 years ago, a doctor by the name of James Nicholas, M.D. introduced the word “medicine” to “sports”, thus coining the term “sports medicine”. He was a pioneer who drastically changed the way that sports injuries are treated today, best known for his career-saving knee operations on New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath and for serving as a team physician for the Jets, Rangers, Islanders and Yankees. In the 1970s, Dr. James Nicholas founded an institute dedicated to the study of sports medicine and trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital, the first hospital-based facility in the country that was devoted to this field. It was later renamed the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT) in his honor. Since its founding, the institute has been committed to the research, teaching and clinical treatment of athletic injuries.
Often referred to as the father of modern day sports medicine, Dr. James Nicholas was also a father in his personal life. His son, Stephen Nicholas, M.D., founded NY Orthopedics to continue a family tradition of excellence in sports medicine and orthopedic care. The practice was designed to provide patients with personalized treatment from expert specialists for all types of orthopedic injuries and conditions – ranging from sports medicine, to total joint replacement, spine, hand and upper extremities, knee, foot and ankle – all under one roof.
Over the years, NY Orthopedics has treated professional and collegiate athletes as well as weekend warriors and everyday athletes. With extensive training and a commitment to offering the latest advances in treatment and surgical procedures, our fellowship-trained physicians have emerged as leaders in their fields of practice. Today, our practice has grown to seven orthopedics practice locations in the New York metropolitan area, with offices in Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Westchester County (Scarsdale) and Nassau County (Westbury).