Our Practice History | Mary S. Stern Fellowship | Our Commitment | Hand Surgery Center

Our Practice History Drs. Peter J. Stern, John J. McDonough, and Thomas R. Kiefhaber founded Hand Surgery Specialists in 1986. Dr. Stern and Dr. McDonough had been practicing physicians at the University of Cincinnati for ten years prior to Dr. Kiefhaber's return from a Fellowship at the Indiana Hand Surgery Center. These three physicians, recognizing their shared dedication to hand surgery, decided to commit their medical focus to upper extremity disorders, and to open a practice specific to this mission. Ultimately their goal was to improve the lives of those who suffer from injuries or disorders of the hand and upper extremity.

Four additional physicians have been selected to join the Hand Surgery Specialists team. Dr. Paul R. Fassler demonstrated superior clinical and surgical skill as the second Fellow to complete the Mary S. Stern Fellowship and was asked to join the group in 1990. Having developed a thriving hand surgery practice in Northern Kentucky, with a philosophy of quality patient care that closely paralleled the mission of the group, Dr. T. Greg Sommerkamp merged with Hand Surgery Specialists in 1991. Dr. Daniel G. Reilly completed his hand surgery fellowship followed by additional training in shoulder disorders and then added his special expertise to Hand Surgery Specialists in 1992. The group eagerly welcomed Dr. Andrew Markiewitz in 2002. His previous experience includes serving as Deputy Chief of the Medical Staff at Keesler Air Force Base, followed by holding the position of Director of the Center for Hand and Upper Extremity section at the University of Arkansas.

Every physician at Hand Surgery Specialists has passed the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand. This certificate indicates he has completed a hand surgery fellowship, has a practice dedicated to hand surgery, and possesses the extensive knowledge base necessary to pass this rigorous test.

The physicians of Hand Surgery Specialists are members of the American Society of Surgery of the Hand. This society was established by WWII physicians with the purpose of offering education and research to advancing the specialty of Hand Surgery. Current membership requires the completion of a one-year fellowship in Hand Surgery, dedication of a substantial portion of your practice to hand disorders, and passing the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand.

Hand Surgery Specialists has grown over the past decade and a half to meet the needs of our ever-growing patient base. We pride ourselves in having assembled a premiere team of highly-educated and highly-skilled professionals.